Assam forest department faces allegations of assault and illegal fishing nexus, villagers

A controversy has surfaced involving the Sutirpar Forest Department under the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Nagaon district following allegations that forest personnel assaulted a local youth in a nearby revenue village adjoining the sanctuary.

According to local residents, forest personnel from the Sutirpar Forest Range Office allegedly entered the village and brutally attacked an innocent youth, triggering widespread protests among people living in areas surrounding the sanctuary.

Residents of nearby villages have levelled serious allegations against officials of the Sutirpar Forest Range Office. Locals alleged that the office premises frequently serve as a gathering point for illegal fishermen during both daytime and nighttime hours.

Villagers further claimed that illegal fishing activities are allegedly being carried out in wetlands and canals located within the forest camp area with the purported tacit support of certain forest officials. According to the allegations, fish worth lakhs of rupees are being illegally extracted from within the sanctuary area.

Residents alleged that tensions escalated after locals raised objections against the alleged illegal fishing activities and misconduct by some forest department personnel. They claimed that following the protests, forest officials entered the revenue village and allegedly assaulted the youth.

The incident has sparked strong condemnation among local residents, who have demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into both the alleged assault and the accusations surrounding illegal activities within the sanctuary area.