Violent Clash in Assam's Hojai District Leads to Police Injuries and Arrests

Violence Erupts in Hojai District

Hojai, August 13: A violent confrontation occurred in Assam's Hojai district, resulting in the detention of at least four individuals. The incident unfolded on Tuesday night when over 100 armed locals launched an attack on police officers in Digholbali, injuring several, including a female sub-inspector.

An investigating officer confirmed that weapons utilized during the assault have been confiscated. 'We are conducting a thorough investigation. Four individuals have been taken into custody for questioning,' the officer stated.

Authorities indicated that the clash was rooted in a protracted dispute over a forest area where illegal sand mining is reportedly prevalent.

Tensions escalated when an excavator, allegedly hired by a man named Bijesh, was brought to the location for sand extraction.

Local residents reportedly intercepted the machinery, assaulted the driver, and tied him to a pole before severely beating him.

Following this, Bijesh filed a complaint at the Hojai police station, prompting officers to respond to rescue the driver and retrieve the excavator.

Upon their arrival, police were unexpectedly surrounded by a large mob armed with sharp weapons and were attacked.

The violence resulted in the vandalism of three police vehicles. CRPF personnel intervened, employing lathi charges and blank firing to disperse the crowd.

'They targeted anyone in sight without hesitation,' a senior police officer remarked. Several officers sustained injuries during the incident.

Additional forces from Nagaon were deployed to assist, while senior officials, including Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Akhilesh Singh, the Nagaon SP, and a senior officer from West Karbi Anglong, visited both the site of the clash and the Hojai police station.

IGP Singh emphasized that the investigation is being treated with 'utmost seriousness' and warned that those spreading rumors, particularly regarding evictions, would face strict consequences.

The injured excavator driver is currently receiving treatment at a hospital, while many locals have fled the area due to fears of police retaliation.

Authorities are now focused on identifying all individuals involved in the attack and restoring order in Digholbali.