Eviction Drive in Assam Turns Deadly: 2 Dead, Several Injured

Two people were killed and seven injured during an eviction drive in Assam's Kamrup (Metro) district. The violence erupted after police fired on a mob attacking officials. The situation worsened following Congress opposition, said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Two people died while seven others were injured after police resorted to firing to control a mob that attacked police personnel and government officials during an eviction drive in the Kamrup (Metro) district of Assam, said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Sarma noted on Thursday that although the eviction drive began peacefully, the situation escalated dramatically after interference from the Congress party.

Approximately 22 police officers and a revenue circle officer sustained injuries during the incident that occurred in Kamrup (Metro)'s Sonapur area on Thursday. Speaking to media at the state BJP headquarters in Guwahati, Chief Minister Sarma recounted, "The eviction drive was initially peaceful. However, when Congress began to oppose it in the morning, the situation deteriorated. A large number of people, armed with lathis and bamboo sticks, attacked the police and government team on-site. In total, 22 police personnel and a revenue circle officer were injured. Police fired shots, resulting in two deaths and seven injuries."

Sarma explained that the eviction drive was targeting illegal encroachers in the tribal belt and block area of Sonapur. Nitul Khataniar, Circle Officer of Sonapur Revenue Circle, who was also injured in the mob attack, told ANI over the phone that the mob of around 1500 people surrounded officials from two sides and began pelting stones and launching physical assaults. "We had conducted a peaceful eviction drive over the last two days. Today, we visited the area for an assessment, but were met with an aggressive mob. Equipped with bamboo sticks and sharp weapons, they damaged several vehicles and injured multiple police personnel and myself as well," Khataniar said. He added that additional security forces have been deployed to restore law and order in the area.

The Kamrup (Metro) district administration had earlier initiated an eviction drive against illegal encroachers in the area. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)