A day that began in celebration of Bohag Bihu—the Assamese New Year—took a dramatic and violent turn in Duliajan, Assam, as thousands of protestors stormed the Naholia Police Station following allegations of police assault on a local youth. The unrest reportedly stemmed from a late-night confrontation involving a vehicle transporting cattle. According to local sources, the dispute escalated quickly, and in the confusion, an innocent youth was allegedly beaten by police personnel. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of April 15, quickly spread through word of mouth, triggering widespread anger among members of the local Adivasi community. By afternoon, a massive crowd—estimated to be in the thousands—had gathered outside the Naholia Police Station. Eyewitnesses described scenes of rising tension and confrontation, as protestors demanded justice and accountability. Chants accusing the police of high-handedness and misuse of authority echoed through the air.
The situation further deteriorated when a scuffle reportedly broke out inside the police station, involving two rival groups. According to some accounts, one group included local residents attempting to defend the assaulted youth, while another supported the police version of the events. The resulting clash turned the station premises into a flashpoint, with officials struggling to control the surging crowd.”People were emotional and furious. They came to demand answers but ended up in a situation where tempers flared out of control,” said a local resident who witnessed the protest unfold.As chaos unfolded, additional police forces were called in to secure the area and manage the swelling crowd. However, the protestors remained defiant for several hours, refusing to disperse until their grievances were heard.
The local administration has yet to issue an official statement. However, sources suggest that senior district officials are now engaged in damage control, urging restraint and promising a fair investigation into the allegations. Talks are reportedly underway with community leaders to ease tensions and restore normalcy.This incident has cast a shadow over what is traditionally a time of joy, unity, and festivity in Assam. Bohag Bihu celebrations in the Duliajan region were marred by fear, confusion, and public anger.Meanwhile, civil society groups have called for transparency and swift justice. “If the police have acted unjustly, action must be taken. But if misinformation is fueling the unrest, that too must be clarified. Either way, the community deserves answers,” said a spokesperson for a local rights organization.