Tragic Encounter: Fishermen Killed at Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

Two brothers were killed by a forest guard during an illegal fishing attempt at Assam's Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered an enquiry, with MLA Nurul Huda demanding answers and compensation for the victims' families.

In a tragic incident at Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Nagaon district, two brothers were fatally shot by a forest guard on Saturday. The brothers, identified as Samaruddin (35) and Abdul Jalil (40), had entered the sanctuary illegally for fishing, according to police sources.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken swift action by directing the chief secretary to initiate a thorough investigation. 'Last night, individuals from Sutripar village trespassed into the Lawkhua-Burachapari Reserve Forest. During an encounter with patrolling forest guards, a guard opened fire in self-defence, resulting in the deaths of Samaruddin and Abdul Jalil,' Sarma posted on X.

Local police sources, requesting anonymity, confirmed the illegal fishing activity and stated that the brothers attempted to escape when spotted by forest guards, leading to the fatal shooting. Rupohihat MLA Nurul Huda, who visited the victims' families, has demanded an inquiry and compensation. 'If they had tried to escape, they should have been shot in the leg. The forest department has to answer why they killed these two poor fishermen and pay compensation to the families,' Huda remarked. The villagers mentioned that the brothers had fished at Roumari Beel in the past without incident.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)