At least 38 people have been arrested following violent communal clashes in Dhubri district of Assam, sparked by the alleged discovery of cow meat near a Hanuman temple. On the night of June 13, Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh led intensive patrol operations across Dhubri district. The unrest, which began earlier this week, quickly escalated into widespread protests and violent confrontations, prompting a stern response from state authorities.
The heightened security operation was aimed at restoring peace and maintaining law and order in the region.
Triggering Incident: Cow Meat Found Near Temple
The tensions first erupted on Sunday, when locals claimed to have found suspected cow meat with head remains near a temple in Dhubri town. This immediately led to protests from the Hindu community, which spiraled into full-blown violence by Monday.
Police had to resort to tear gas and heavy deployment to contain the situation. Public gatherings were restricted, shops were ordered to shut, and rallies were banned to avoid further escalation.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Issues ‘Shoot-at-Sight’ Warning
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Dhubri on Friday and took a hardline stance. “I will not allow this kind of situation to grow in Assam,” he declared, announcing a shoot-at-sight order for those caught engaging in violent or unlawful activities.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over possible foreign interference, alleging that extremist groups from across the Bangladesh border may be attempting to disrupt peace in the region.
Police Crackdown: 38 Arrested in Massive Overnight Operation
CM Stated, “We would like to inform you that 38 people have been arrested last night due to Dhubri’s beef centered incident. We are very concerned about this chicken in Dhubri.
38 arrested overnight in the Dhubri beef head incident.”
A security crackdown led to the arrest of 38 individuals from multiple police station jurisdictions:
- Gauripur – 7 arrested
- Tamarhat – 5
- Golakganj – 5
- Dhubri Sadar – 4
- Chapar – 3
- Sapatgram – 5
- Bilasipara – 1
- Agomani – 1
Among those arrested is Juran Ali Khan, a known criminal from Bilasipara. Police in Sapatgram also detained five key accused believed to be central to the disturbances.
Heavy Security & Preventive Measures in Dhubri
To prevent further violence, CRPF, Rapid Action Force (RAF) and local police units have been deployed in sensitive areas. Authorities are patrolling round the clock, using sirens and loudspeakers to warn against illegal gatherings.
On Tuesday, local officials confirmed that restrictions were lifted in some areas after the situation showed signs of improvement. Peace committees have been formed to help calm tensions and promote dialogue between communities.
Leaders React to Dhubri Violence
Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal also reacted strongly, blaming the violence on decades of political neglect. In a statement on social media platform X, he accused previous governments of vote-bank politics, saying the unrest now threatens Assam’s cultural identity.
