Election Day Violence in Assam: Nine Arrested Amid Clashes

On election day in Assam, nine people were arrested due to violence at polling stations, with minor clashes reported across various districts. Inspector General of Police Akhilesh Kumar Singh detailed incidents in Tamulpur and Sivasagar, where confrontations led to injuries and arrests. Political tensions are high as the BJP seeks a third consecutive term while Congress aims to reclaim lost ground. The situation is currently under control, with police presence ensuring the safety of voters. This article delves into the events of the day and the implications for the ongoing elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 9, 2026, 14:19 IST

Election-Related Violence in Assam

A security personnel stands guard as people wait in queues to cast their votes at a polling station, in Darrang. (Photo:PTI)

Guwahati, Apr 9: By 1 PM on Thursday, authorities had detained nine individuals linked to election-related disturbances across three locations in Assam.

Minor confrontations were reported at various polling booths following the commencement of voting in the morning, resulting in some individuals sustaining minor injuries.

According to Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), Akhilesh Kumar Singh, incidents of violence occurred in Tamulpur and Sivasagar on Wednesday night, just hours before the polls opened at 7 AM.

"We received reports of a clash between two factions in Tamulpur last night. Police arrived promptly to manage the situation, and when the crowd refused to disperse, shots were fired into the air to control the mob," he explained, noting that four individuals were apprehended at the scene.

Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary stated that a thorough investigation will clarify the reasons behind the Tamulpur clash.

"The situation is stable now. We are keeping a close watch, and there is sufficient security to prevent any further incidents," he assured.

In a separate incident in Sivasagar, two to three members of a political party were reportedly attacked, leading to the detention of three suspects, as stated by the IG.

Akhil Gogoi, who is campaigning for re-election from the Sibsagar constituency, accused BJP candidate Kushal Dowari of being involved in the attack.

In a series of posts on social media, Gogoi claimed that two individuals were injured and their vehicles were damaged during the incident.

Several minor altercations were also reported at polling stations in Sribhumi, Golaghat, and Nagaon districts.

In Golaghat, police detained two individuals following a report of election-related violence at the Merapani Kalyanpur polling station.

The detained individuals, Savin Kurmi and Mukut Haloi, were later provided medical assistance for injuries incurred during the clash.

"Most of the conflicts arose due to overcrowding, with individuals arguing over queue-jumping," an official noted.

At polling booths in areas such as Patharkandi, Merapani, and Raha, supporters from both ruling and opposition parties clashed, according to reports.

"However, police were already deployed in those regions, and they managed to control the situations quickly. Voting is proceeding without interruption," he added.

The BJP-led NDA is aiming for a third consecutive term in these elections, while the Congress party seeks to regain control of the state, which it lost a decade ago.