Assam Land Dispute Turns Political as BJP MLA’s Name Allegedly Invoked in Threats; Police Reopen Case

Guwahati: A long-running land dispute in Assam’s Tinsukia district has escalated into a major controversy, with allegations of intimidation, violence, and misuse of political influence against local BJP leaders, including claims that the name of Digboi BJP MLA Suren Phukan was allegedly invoked to threaten a family.

The dispute involves a parcel of land at Chengelijan, Borhapajan, under Doomdooma police station, owned by the family of Aman Kumar Gupta.

According to complaints, a family led by Malabika Das—who is related to BJP Digboi Mandal President Sriti Das—had been living on the land as tenants for several years.

Tensions reportedly escalated when the Gupta family asked the tenants to vacate the land and began constructing boundary fencing around their property. The move allegedly triggered retaliation, following which Malabika Das and her family, with the alleged assistance of BJP Mandal President Sriti Das, mobilised a group of 25–30 people who allegedly attacked and intimidated the landowning family.

The Gupta family has alleged that during the confrontation, threats were issued by invoking the name of Digboi MLA Suren Phukan, warning them of serious consequences. The alleged use of the MLA’s name to issue threats has added a political dimension to what began as a civil land dispute.

Police records indicate that cross-cases were filed by both parties at Doomdooma Police Station in early 2025, during which the Gupta family was reportedly treated as the accused. However, fresh complaints later prompted police to reopen the matter.

According to the complainants, despite an FIR being lodged on January 10, 2025 by Gayatri Devi at Doomdooma Police Station against 13 named accused—including Sadhu Aich, Monti Aich, Kutti Dey, Nibash Dey, Ram Das, Shyam Das, Rupum Das, Gauranga Das, Aparajita Das, Malabika Das, Munmun Das, Shankary Das, and Sriti Das—no immediate coercive action was taken. The complainants have alleged that this lack of action emboldened the accused.

They further alleged that on June 13, 2025, at around noon, the accused once again formed an unlawful assembly and criminally trespassed into the disputed land. During the incident, they allegedly cut CCTV wires, cleared bushes with the intent to forcibly occupy the land, broke open the lock of the house, and looted household articles. The family has claimed that such illegal acts have continued thereafter, posing a serious threat to their lives, property, and the integrity of the investigation.

Following these developments, Doomdooma P.S. Case No. 08/2025 was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 189(2), 296, 324(2), 118(1), 76, 304(2), and 351(2).

Acting on the case, Doomdooma police issued notices to 13 accused persons, directing them to appear at the police station on Friday evening. All the accused complied and appeared before the investigating officer. Among those questioned were BJP Digboi Mandal President Sriti Das and her husband Ram Das. After questioning, police released all the individuals, instructing them to remain available for further inquiry as required.

The complainant family has alleged that custodial arrest of the accused has become necessary to prevent further offences, stop destruction of evidence, and ensure a free, fair, and impartial investigation. They have also claimed that the ownership of the disputed land by the accused is yet to be verified by the concerned Circle Officer, and that no documentary proof has been produced so far in support of their claims.

The Gupta family has since approached the Chief Minister, seeking intervention and demanding a fair and impartial probe into the matter.

The incident has once again raised concerns over alleged misuse of political influence in local land disputes and has sparked fresh debate over law and order and land rights in Assam. Police officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that further action will be taken strictly in accordance with law and evidence.

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