Assam: 30 arrested after police attack at sand quarry in Darrang

A volatile situation unfolded at the Shilbari sand quarry in Dalgaon, Darrang district, after a violent confrontation erupted between alleged sand mafias and local residents late Friday night, April 25. 

The conflict, reportedly stemming from long-standing disputes over illegal sand mining activities in the Dhansiri River, escalated when police forces arrived at the scene to restore order but were attacked by a section of the mob.

Among the injured are Sub-Inspector Rupankar Das and three other police personnel from Shilbari Outpost, who were immediately rushed to Mangaldoi Civil Hospital for treatment.

In response to the assault, Darrang Police launched a swift operation and arrested 30 individuals from the Shilbari area on Saturday, April 26. 

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Additional law enforcement, including the Additional Superintendent of Police, was deployed to manage the situation, which authorities have now confirmed is under control. Meanwhile, a manhunt has been initiated to track down others involved in the attack.

Local organizations and community members have long raised concerns about unregulated sand extraction from the Dhansiri River, warning of environmental degradation and the rise of criminal activities in the region. 

Friday’s incident has reignited tensions, with residents demanding strong action against the culprits and stricter regulation of sand quarry operations to prevent future unrest.