Assam: Brutal land grab attack leaves mother-son critically injured in Goalpara

A violent land dispute in Assam’s Goalpara district has left a mother and son grievously injured, raising serious questions about law enforcement in rural conflict zones.

The shocking incident occurred around 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 19, in Kalpani Third Block under Agia Police Station, when a group of alleged land-grabbers — armed with sticks, rods, and machetes — launched a brutal assault on Azima Begum and her son Ratul Islam.

Azima Begum remains in critical condition at Goalpara Civil Hospital, while Ratul is also undergoing treatment for serious injuries. The assailants, identified as Mohammad Islam (newly elected ward member), Nur Islam, Nur Ahmed, Nur Alam, Chaha Ali, Ashraf Ali, Minhaj Ali, Banjalu Ali, and Sahanur Ali, are all linked to a long-standing land encroachment conflict with the victims’ family.

Witnesses say the attack broke out when Khalilur Rahman’s son, from the Khelanjia Muslim community, was ploughing the disputed land with a tractor. Upon being confronted, the accused men allegedly launched a planned and targeted assault, causing chaos and panic in the area.

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What has stunned locals even more is the police inaction. Despite the gravity of the assault, Agia Police Station had not initiated any arrests or action even 24 hours after the crime. 

The victims’ family, speaking to the media today, expressed deep disappointment at the delay and urged the district administration and Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to intervene immediately.

The incident has also triggered outrage among civil society groups, who are demanding immediate arrest of the accused, medical compensation and protection for the victims, a probe into why an elected panchayat member was involved, and action against Agia PS for failing to respond swiftly.

Local leaders and rights activists warn that unchecked land disputes in Goalpara and similar districts could spiral into broader law and order crises unless prompt, impartial action is taken.

This shocking case of rural violence underscores the urgent need for police accountability, legal clarity over land rights, and protection of vulnerable communities from politically backed aggressors.