Assam: Kokrajhar Tense After Brutal Mob Killing; Arson, Highway Blockade Trigger Heavy Security Deployment

Tension gripped Assam’s Kokrajhar district after a brutal mob attack late Monday night in the Karigaon area left one person dead and several others seriously injured, triggering widespread protests and violence on Tuesday.

According to official sources, the incident allegedly began when a mob, suspecting the movement of cattle smugglers in the area, started pelting stones at Sikhna Jauhalou Bismit and a few others who were travelling in a Scorpio SUV. Fearing for their safety, they attempted to flee, during which the vehicle allegedly struck two Adivasi persons on Mansingh Road under the jurisdiction of the Karigaon outpost of Kokrajhar Police Station before overturning. Amid the violence, the Scorpio was set on fire, and Sikhna Jauhalou Bismit was allegedly dragged out of the vehicle and lynched to death. He was the son-in-law of local road contractor Baronda Basumatary.

Four persons sustained serious injuries in the incident. Among them, Yugiraj Brahma and Prabhat Brahma are undergoing treatment at Kokrajhar Medical College Hospital, with Yugiraj’s condition stated to be critical. Two alleged members of the attacking group, Mahesh Murmu and Sunil Murmu, were also seriously injured and are receiving medical care at the same hospital.

Following the killing, anger spilled onto the streets as local residents staged massive protests in Karigaon. Protesters blocked National Highway 27, completely disrupting vehicular movement between Kokrajhar and adjoining areas. Demonstrators demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved and exemplary punishment for the culprits.

The situation further escalated when an agitated mob allegedly forcefully entered the Karigaon police outpost, broke the main gate, and moved from room to room searching for the detained accused. Protesters also reportedly set fire to two temporary camps of the Birsa Commando Force and four houses at an abandoned camp, intensifying the unrest.

The Bishmuri–Karigaon belt witnessed near-total paralysis, with movement restricted and an atmosphere of fear prevailing across the area. The Bodo National Students Union (BONSU)has warned of a BTC-wide shutdown if justice is not delivered, stating that protests will continue until concrete action is taken.

Police said a large contingent has been deployed to bring the situation under control. So far, 29 people have been detained in connection with the violence, including 18 suspects held for questioning in the murder case.

Senior officials confirmed that the situation remains tense but is being closely monitored.

Meanwhile, the police officials have appealed to the public to maintain calm, assuring that a thorough investigation is underway and strict legal action will be taken against all those found responsible.

Also Read: Assam: Maoist leader killed in encounter with security forces in Kokrajhar