Pre-Poll Violence Erupts in Sadiya Ahead of Assam Elections
Incident of Arson Reported in Sadiya
Vehicle set on fire by alleged miscreants as a part of pre-poll violence in Sadiya (Photo: AT)
Sadiya, April 8: As Assam enters a 48-hour silence period leading up to the polling day on April 9, reports of pre-election violence have emerged from Sadiya. In the early hours of Wednesday, unidentified individuals reportedly set fire to a vehicle and a granary.
The incident occurred at No. 3 Kakopathar, where a family narrowly avoided harm when the fire ignited around 3 am.
Sanjay Gowala, the victim whose vehicle and grain storage were destroyed, expressed that he has no known enemies and suspects malicious intent behind the attack. “I have no personal disputes with anyone. Our vehicle and grain storage were set ablaze around 3 am. My brother tried to pursue the culprits, but they escaped,” Gowala recounted.
“This was my hard-earned money that has been lost. The grains I cultivated over a year have turned to ashes. How will I support my family and send my children to school? I appeal to the government for help,” he added.
A female family member noted that the area had been calm prior to this incident. “For days, all the tractors were parked here without any issues. There were no conflicts, and then suddenly, miscreants came and set fire. By the time we noticed, they had already fled,” she stated.
The affected family, known for their support of the BJP, suggested that the attack might be connected to a political gathering held at their home the previous night in favor of BJP candidate Bolin Chetia, just before the silence period commenced.
“At around 3 am, the assailants used petrol to ignite the vehicle. BJP workers visited us yesterday, and we suspect that this incident is a retaliation from the opposition following their visit. There had been no disturbances for days, but this happened right after their arrival,” a family member claimed.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter, although no arrests had been reported at the time of this writing.
This incident occurs amidst increased political activity and security measures across Assam in anticipation of the upcoming Assembly elections on Thursday.