Suspected arson destroys black gram crops worth lakhs in Assam’s Bokakhat

Black gram crops cultivated over 113 bighas of land were destroyed in a suspected arson incident in the Dhanashirimukh area of Assam’s Bokakhat, causing losses worth several lakhs of rupees to local farmers.

According to the affected farmers, five of them had jointly cultivated black gram on the 113 bighas of land with the aim of becoming self-reliant. The crops, which were nearing harvest, were gutted in the fire allegedly set by unknown miscreants, resulting in the loss of nearly 20–25 quintals of produce.

The farmers said the incident occurred at around 7 pm and alleged that the fire was deliberately set. “People informed us that the fields suddenly caught fire, and within a short time the crops were reduced to ashes,” one of the farmers said.

An FIR has been lodged at the Bokakhat police station, and the farmers have demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible. They have also appealed to the Assam government and Cabinet Minister Atul Bora for immediate assistance and justice.