Eviction for Sale? Brokers Accused of Extorting ₹10,000 per Family in Assam’s Doboka

What is unfolding in Assam's Doboka is not merely an allegation of corruption—it is a chilling portrait of how fear, uncertainty, and administrative opacity create fertile ground for exploitation.

Following the issuance of eviction notices by the Forest Department in the Jamuna–Moudenga Reserved Forest area in Hojai's Doboka, a shadow economy appears to have emerged—one where eviction is allegedly being “negotiated” for cash. 

Residents allege that an organised broker syndicate is demanding ₹10,000 per household, promising protection from eviction in return. For families already living on the edge of displacement, this claim has weaponised hope itself.

According to multiple villagers, brokers claiming links with the administration have been moving from house to house, assuring residents that those who pay will be spared. Those who cannot—or refuse—are allegedly being marked for eviction.

“This is not just extortion, it is a betrayal,” said Makaddus Ali, a resident of the affected area, speaking to the media.

“There is a syndicate run by some local people who claimed that they can stop the eviction drives only if we pay ₹10,000 to them. We learned that a hearing regarding the patta lands will be held in the Gauhati High Court on December 17. Yet, no one knows when the eviction will take place or on what basis. Despite this, some people are openly demanding money claiming they can stop the drive.”

Ali underscored his legal status to question the legitimacy of the threats.

“I am a citizen of India. My name is in the NRC. There must be a proper enquiry. Doboka MLA Sirajuddin Ajmal and the district administration must intervene immediately.”

Another villager, Abdul Karim, painted an even graver picture—one that raises serious questions about selective enforcement and possible collusion.

“The Forest Department issued notices asking us to vacate. I have two cases pending, and another case filed by me is under trial in the Gauhati High Court. Despite this, officials came and marked my house with a red cross, saying it would be evicted.”

Karim said he questioned the officials on why only certain houses were marked despite several villagers having pending land-related cases.

“They told me that to stop the eviction, money would have to be paid. The demand ranged from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000. Those who couldn’t pay were marked with red signs. Some people from our own village are allegedly involved. If forest officials are questioned properly, the truth will come out.”

These allegations, if proven, point to a disturbing nexus where administrative power, local intermediaries, and vulnerable populations intersect—with devastating consequences. The use of red markings, traditionally a symbol of imminent eviction, has reportedly become a tool of intimidation rather than lawful procedure.

What makes the situation even more alarming is the lack of clarity over land ownership. It remains unresolved who among the residents are original patta holders and who may be encroachers. Yet, eviction threats continue unabated, even as legal proceedings are pending before the Gauhati High Court.

In a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, eviction cannot be dictated by cash transactions or backroom assurances. If eviction drives are necessary, they must be transparent, lawful, and humane. If they are not imminent, then exploiting people’s fear amounts to criminal deception.

The affected families have now appealed directly to the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, seeking intervention to halt the eviction process and order a high-level enquiry. Their demand is simple yet profound: justice, clarity, and accountability.

This is a test not just for the local administration, but for the state’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens. If fear is being sold at ₹10,000 per household, silence will only make the price higher.

Also Read: Assam: Forest Dept Plans Eviction Drive in Hojai's Jamuna-Moudenga Reserved Forest