Assam: Man suspected of illegal deforestation allegedly shot dead by forest guards in Raimona National Park

A firing incident was reported from the Athiabari Range of Raimona National Park in Assam's Kokrajhar district on Wednesday, July 29 with a man suspected of involvement in illegal deforestation allegedly being shot by forest personnel.

The deceased has been identified as Phungkha Basumatary. According to preliminary information, forest guards allegedly opened fire on Basumatary on suspicion that he was involved in deforestation activities inside the protected forest area.

Sources said Basumatary is believed to have died on the spot after sustaining bullet injuries. However, his body had not been recovered at the time of filing this report.

The incident has triggered tension in the Sarlpara area, with local residents expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding the firing. The situation is being closely monitored by the authorities.

Officials are yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident, and further information is awaited regarding the recovery of the body and the circumstances that led to the firing. An official investigation is expected to ascertain the sequence of events.