Guwahati: Tension gripped Assam’s Kokrajhar district on Tuesday following a violent flare-up in the Karigaon area that left two people dead, several others critically injured, and large parts of the locality scarred by arson. The sudden eruption of violence forced the state government to impose mobile internet restrictions and rush in heavy security, including Rapid Action Force units, to prevent the situation from spiralling further.
The unrest began on Monday evening in the Karigaon–Gaurinagar belt after a Scorpio SUV was intercepted by local residents under suspicion. What started as an attempt to stop the vehicle quickly turned volatile, with chaos breaking out on the road. Within minutes, stone-pelting, physical assaults and vandalism followed, culminating in the vehicle being set ablaze.
Officials confirmed that one of the occupants of the vehicle, Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismith Basumatary, also known as Raja, died after being brutally assaulted during the confrontation. Another young man, Sunil Murmu, who sustained severe injuries during the incident involving the vehicle, later succumbed despite medical treatment. At least four others suffered serious injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital.
As news of the deaths spread, anger swept through the area. On Tuesday morning, protesters gathered in large numbers, surrounding the Karigaon police outpost and blocking National Highway 27, a crucial arterial route. Burning tyres, slogans, and clashes brought traffic to a standstill for hours, heightening fears of further violence before security forces intervened and restored partial movement.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating situation, the Assam government ordered an immediate suspension of mobile internet services across Kokrajhar district. The decision, issued by the state’s home department, was aimed at preventing the spread of rumours and inflammatory content that could inflame tensions. While mobile data services were cut, voice calls and fixed broadband connections were allowed to continue.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is currently outside the country attending an international economic summit, said he was monitoring developments closely and remained in constant contact with senior officials. He confirmed that Rapid Action Force personnel had been deployed and that additional security, including army support, was being kept ready if required. The chief minister appealed to political leaders, community organisations and citizens to cooperate with authorities to restore calm.
Community leaders said the violence unfolded against a sensitive backdrop, coinciding with local festivals and heightened anxiety over alleged cattle theft incidents in the region. According to some accounts, residents tried to stop the SUV after suspecting illegal activity. Panic and misunderstanding reportedly followed, leading to the fatal chain of events.
The situation worsened further on Tuesday when miscreants allegedly torched multiple houses and damaged two-wheelers in nearby localities, deepening fear among residents. Several organisations condemned the violence, warning that such incidents could undo years of peace achieved in the region after long negotiations and accords.
Political representatives from the area described the events as deeply disturbing and called for swift, impartial action. They urged authorities to ensure that the incident is not given a communal colour and that those responsible—regardless of affiliation—are held accountable under the law.
The police confirmed that multiple individuals have been detained as part of the investigation and said strict measures are in place to prevent any repeat of violence. Patrols have been intensified in sensitive pockets, and officials stated that no fresh incidents had been reported by Tuesday evening.
Appeals for restraint also came from leaders of the Bodoland Territorial Region, who described the episode as a tragic outcome of confusion and emotional escalation. While acknowledging the pain and anger of the affected families, they stressed that violence would only deepen wounds and derail development and harmony in the area.
