HT Correspondent
DHUBRI, Sept 18: Dhubri district has been rocked by public outrage following the police lathi-charge on Koch-Rajbongshi protesters in Golakganj on September 10, which left more than a hundred people injured. The fallout has led to the transfer of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Smti. Leena Doley by the Government of Assam.
The violence broke out during a “Jor Samadal” rally organised by the All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and a separate state. The rally, which started peacefully from Chilarai College towards Golakganj Bazaar, was stopped by police and paramilitary forces. A scuffle followed, after which security personnel resorted to a lathi-charge that eyewitnesses described as “indiscriminate and brutal.” Women were beaten, several protesters chased into roadside ponds, and many left bleeding on the streets.
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Over a hundred protesters sustained injuries, with dozens hospitalised. In response, AKRSU called a 12-hour bandh in Dhubri, paralysing life in Golakganj, Agomoni, Sagolia and neighbouring areas. Roads were blocked, schools and markets closed, and even the Circle Officer’s office was shut. At Agomoni Higher Secondary School, bandh supporters forced classrooms to close and sent back students and teachers.
Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah visited the injured and announced the suspension of the Golakganj Officer-in-Charge (OC), while the Gauripur OC was placed under “reserved close.” A DIG-level inquiry was also ordered, with a report expected within five days.
On Thursday night, a major police reshuffle followed. Inspector Navajyoti Roy was posted as Circle Inspector, Golakganj, with additional charge of OC, while Circle Inspector Ratul Haloi was shifted to Bilasipara as OC. At Gauripur Police Station, SI Jyoti Prasad Das was appointed OC, SI Kapil Borah transferred to Tamarhat PS, and SI Debash Melsodha moved to Balajan OP.
Amid mounting protests, the demand for SSP Doley’s removal grew louder. On Friday, the Home (A) Department issued a notification attaching her to Assam Police Headquarters, Ulubari, Guwahati until further orders. Commandant of 4th APBn, Shri Debasish Borah, has been given temporary charge as SSP, Dhubri.
The transfer of the district’s top police officer is being seen as a direct consequence of the protests. While AKRSU welcomed the decision, its leaders said the agitation would continue until those responsible for the police excesses are punished, reiterating their core demands for Scheduled Tribe status and a separate state for the Koch-Rajbongshi community.
