Clashes in Assam after mob kills 1 over cattle theft suspicion; RAF deployed, internet suspended

Clashes broke out between Bodos and tribals in Assam’s Kokrajhar district on Tuesday following a violent incident on Monday night that left one person dead. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed to contain the situation, and internet and mobile data services were suspended temporarily in Kokrajhar and neighbouring Chirang district to prevent the spread of inflammatory messages. Authorities also advised residents to cooperate in restoring peace.

The violence traces back to Monday night when a vehicle carrying three Bodos struck two tribals on Mansingh Road near Karigaon under Kokrajhar police station. The Bodos were beaten by neighbouring tribals, and the vehicle was set on fire, leading to the death of one individual, identified as Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit alias Raja, the son-in-law of contractor Moranda Basumatary. Four others sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment at Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital.

On Tuesday, both Bodo and tribal communities escalated the unrest by blocking the National Highway adjacent to Karigaon police outpost. Protesters burned tyres, set a few houses and a government office on fire, and attacked the police outpost, prompting authorities to deploy RAF teams to prevent further deterioration of law and order.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, currently in Davos for the World Economic Forum, said in a post on X that he was in constant touch with senior state officials to ensure the situation stabilizes. He also mentioned that arrangements are in place to deploy the army if necessary and appealed to political leaders and civil society to help restore peace. Director General of Police Harmeet Singh and senior police officials have rushed to the district to oversee operations.

Police have detained several individuals for questioning and launched investigations into both the Monday night incident and the subsequent clashes. Voice calls and fixed-line broadband services remain functional, while mobile internet and data services continue to be suspended until further notice. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation.