Assam: Census enumerator allegedly attacked during field duty in Bongaigaon, raises safety concerns

A census enumerator narrowly escaped an alleged attack with a sharp weapon while conducting house-to-house enumeration in Assam’s Bongaigaon district, raising concerns over the safety of officials engaged in field-level census work.

The incident took place at Chautaki village under the North Salmara Police Outpost, where teacher Bhaskar Chandra Das was carrying out enumeration duties under House Listing Block No. 253 of Srijangram Development Block.

According to the information available, Das had visited a residence for enumeration when a man identified as Bipanna Das alias Bapan allegedly attempted to attack him with a sharp fishing weapon.

Das reportedly left his two-wheeler at the spot and took shelter inside a nearby house to evade the alleged attack.

Following information about the incident, Srijangram Revenue Officer Naba Jyoti Das intervened and informed the police. A team from the North Salmara Police Outpost subsequently reached the area and rescued the enumerator.

Das was rescued by Shivaprasad Kalita, officer-in-charge of the North Salmara Police Outpost.

The alleged attacker reportedly fled the area after learning that police personnel had arrived. Further details regarding the circumstances leading to the incident and any police action against the accused were not immediately available.

The incident has highlighted concerns over the security of census personnel conducting door-to-door enumeration, particularly in areas where officials are required to carry out field visits independently.