Assam: Tense Standoff Erupts at Gauripur's Athani Revenue Circle Office Over Land Service Delays

Gauripur: A volatile confrontation unfolded at the Athani Revenue Circle office in Gauripur of Dhubri, Assam, on Tuesday, where irate villagers laid siege to the premises, vandalised an official vehicle, and clashed with officials in a dramatic outburst against bureaucratic hurdles in land transactions.

The unrest stemmed from long-standing frustrations over the office's refusal to process ordinary citizens' land-related applications without the involvement of middlemen, exacerbating delays and perceived corruption. Enraged locals surrounded the building, demanding immediate reforms and accountability from the administration.

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In the ensuing chaos, protesters smashed the windows of the circle officer's vehicle, prompting swift intervention from police. Under instructions from Circle Officer Ranju Moni Dutta, security personnel detained one individual amid the melee. The arrested person, identified as a key agitator, was promptly transported to the Athani police station for questioning.

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Local administration has urged calm while assuring a probe into the grievances, but tensions remain high as villagers vow to continue their agitation until equitable access to services is guaranteed.

No injuries were reported, though the incident has spotlighted systemic issues plaguing revenue offices in the region.