A violent clash during an eviction drive in Sonapur led to the tragic death of two individuals and left at least 15 police officers, including a magistrate and a revenue circle officer, injured on Thursday, September 12. The confrontation occurred during a government operation aimed at reclaiming 200 bighas of disputed land in Kachutoli, allegedly occupied by encroachers.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress of provoking the unrest, stating that the eviction drive was proceeding peacefully until Congress members intervened. “The situation was under control until Congress escalated tensions. Armed with lathis and bamboo sticks, the crowd attacked our police and officials,” Sarma said, confirming that 22 police officers and a Revenue Circle officer were among the injured.
The clash erupted as local residents, claiming ownership of the disputed land, launched an assault on police and administrative personnel. In response, the police opened fire to disperse the mob, resulting in two fatalities. Both victims were rushed to Sonapur District Hospital but succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Seven others were also wounded in the confrontation.
