Assam: Unauthorised vehicle dismantling sparks 'scrapping scam' row in Tinsukia

A fresh controversy has surfaced in Tinsukia district after a dumper truck was allegedly dismantled without the owner's consent at a government-licensed scrapping facility. Locals claim this is not the first time stolen or unauthorized vehicles have surfaced at such units in the area.

The dumper truck, bearing registration number AR 07 1113, was reportedly cut up late last night at a government-authorised scrapping unit owned by Arun Sahu and located in Hebeda Road, under the Paharkajan area of Tinsukia district.

According to reports, the vehicle was dismantled at the facility without the knowledge or permission of its legal owner. Upon discovering this, the owner promptly lodged an FIR at the Ledo Police Station. Following the complaint, police arrested four individuals in connection with the illegal scrapping: Ril Bahadur Thapa, Basanta Panikar, Nanu Agarwal, and Abinash Pradhan.

However, the owner of the scrapping facility, Arun Sahu, remains at large. This has raised serious questions about the accountability and operations of the unit, especially given its government licensing under the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) regulations.

The incident has triggered widespread suspicion among the public regarding the role of the Tinsukia district transport department and district administration. Many are questioning whether similar unauthorised scrapping of vehicles has occurred in the past at this same facility and whether due process and permissions were ever followed.

There is growing speculation that a larger scam involving high-level collusion could be at play, with calls for an in-depth investigation into the activities of the scrapping center and its link to any possible vehicle theft or documentation fraud.

Authorities have registered Case No. 74/25 at the Ledo Police Station, and further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.