News Reporter
Guwahati: An eviction drive to clear encroachments in Assam's Kamrup (Metro) district turned violent today as a mob clashed with police and government officials. The situation escalated, leading to police firing, which left two people dead and over 30 others injured, many suffering from bullet wounds, according to local reports.
The deceased, identified as Haider Ali and Juwahid Ali, succumbed to injuries at the Sonapur District Hospital while undergoing treatment. The incident unfolded in Kachutoli village, near Sonapur, where police and administrative personnel were working to remove illegal settlements from a 100-bigha plot, reportedly home to more than 150 residents.
The operation had been progressing smoothly for three days prior to the escalation. However, on the fourth day, tensions flared as a large group of locals allegedly began hurling stones at officials, damaging police vehicles and using sticks and sharp weapons to attack law enforcement. In response, police and paramilitary forces opened fire to control the unruly mob, leading to the casualties.
Among the injured were Revenue Circle Officer Nitul Khatoniar and four police officers, including a female constable. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials stated that the mob had become increasingly aggressive, forcing security forces to take necessary measures to restore order.
Sources indicate that the initial days of the eviction drive had been conducted without a substantial security presence, as the process had been largely peaceful. However, today’s violence underscored the volatile nature of the situation.
This eviction operation was part of a broader effort by the administration to clear unauthorized settlements in the region. Local authorities are investigating the incident and assessing the need for further security reinforcements in future eviction drives.