Assam: Woman evicted in Bajali amid family dispute

A woman and her two children were evicted from their home in Baghmara, Bajali, after a legal battle between her and her late husband's first wife. The woman, Tutumoni Baruah, was living with her husband, Dhananjoy Baruah, who passed away, as his second wife since 2013. However, Dhananjoy’s first wife, Kusum Baruah, went to court, declaring Tutumoni an illegal spouse, which led to the eviction order.
 

The police carried out the eviction, removing Tutumoni and her children from their home near the Bhutan National Highway. They received no prior notice and were left stranded on the roadside, forced to spend the night in difficult conditions. While the eviction followed the court's instructions, it has led to widespread anger in the community, with many questioning the fairness of the process.
 

Locals and women's groups have expressed their support for Tutumoni, pointing out that official documents list her deceased husband, Dhananjoy, as the father of her children. Despite not having a formal marriage, they argue that she has rights as a mother.
 

“This is a tragic situation. A woman who had a home is now homeless. The legal system failed to consider her rights,” said a local resident.
 

There are rumors suggesting the involvement of a land broker in the dispute, but this has not been confirmed.