Assam: Attack on indigenous people in Barpeta sparks outrage

A disturbing incident of violence against indigenous Assamese people has emerged from Dongarkuchi village near Barpeta town. On Thursday, a group of men, reportedly armed with sticks, iron rods, and bamboos, launched a brutal attack on several locals, including women.

The attackers have been identified as Shahjahan Ali, a former CRPF jawan, along with Raju Ali, Rahul Amin, Zulfikkar Ahmed, Shamsul Haque, Jamal Hussain, and several others. The victims, who sustained injuries in the assault, include Deepjyoti Das, Kundal Das, Gaurang Das, Bikash Dwip Baishya, and others.

According to eyewitness accounts, two college students who were passing by on the highway were also assaulted. Additionally, Shahjahan Ali allegedly led an attack on the house of a woman named Puravi Das, attempting to break in and threatening to burn her alive. The group reportedly issued threats that no Hindu would be allowed to remain in Dongarkuchi village.

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Sources suggest that the violence erupted due to a dispute over the installation of an electrical pole on the land of Kapil Dev Das. The land dispute is currently pending in the Gauhati High Court. The victims have lodged an FIR at Barpeta Sadar Police Station, accusing Shahjahan Ali and others of carrying out a planned attack when they refused to allow the electrical cable to be pulled through their property.

Further allegations include threats made by the attackers to "bury a Hindu man like in Bangladesh," along with other communal remarks. Following the incident, a police team led by a senior officer from Barpeta reached the scene and arrested Shahjahan Ali.

The injured have been admitted to Barpeta Medical College Hospital for treatment. The attack has provoked widespread reactions, particularly in the aftermath of similar incidents in nearby villages like Bamunbari, Sarbhog, and Bhawanipur. Local authorities are investigating the incident, which has heightened communal tensions in the region.