Assam: Minor road accident triggers clash, protest erupts on Sribhumi’s Station Road

A brief law-and-order situation unfolded on Station Road in Assam’s Sribhumi town on Wednesday, January 7, following allegations of a physical assault on a couple travelling in an e-rickshaw, triggering protests by local Hindu organisations and prompting swift police intervention to prevent escalation.

According to the complaint, the incident stemmed from a minor collision between an e-rickshaw and a Bolero vehicle. The situation allegedly escalated when the Bolero driver behaved aggressively and attempted to assault the e-rickshaw driver. When the couple seated in the e-rickshaw intervened to defuse the situation, the Bolero driver and the vehicle’s owner allegedly turned on them, physically attacking the husband. The complaint further alleges that the woman accompanying him was subjected to misbehaviour.

The incident quickly drew public attention, leading to protests by Hindu organisations, including members of the Bajrang Dal, who gathered at the site demanding action against the accused. Police personnel rushed to the scene and managed to bring the situation under control, preventing further unrest.

Authorities have identified the owner of the Bolero vehicle as Azam, a resident of Katakhal in Silchar. Police officials said the matter is being examined based on the complaint received, and necessary legal steps will be taken after due verification of facts.

Reacting to the incident, Bajrang Dal members stated that Sribhumi’s proximity to the international border with Bangladesh makes maintaining communal harmony and public safety critical. They asserted that any form of violence or intimidation would not be tolerated and demanded stringent punishment for those found guilty.