Cachar police have arrested 7 person for stone pelting and citing violence during protest against Waqf Amendment in Silchar on Sunday, April 13.
According to police, the seven people were arrested on Tuesday night during Bohag Bihu and New Year celebration (Bengali and Assamese) from Kashipur and Bagadahar areas under the jurisdiction of Silchar Sadar Police Station.
The protest against the Waqf Amendment law started at around 9:30 am, April 13 from Berenga village where 300 of people gathered and began marching towards Silchar. When a team of police attempted to stop the protest and resorted mild lathicharge to dipareses the mob. But several mob in retaliation, pelted stone at police teams. In result police registered a case in connection with the incident.
On April 15, police launched an operation in the night of April 15, police picked seven persons allegedly to be primarily involved in the incident. Police arrested them and sent them to judicial custody. Some other who was involved has been absconding and currently outside the district.
The individual arrested in Stone pelting during Silchar protest are identified as,
Nazmul Islam Laskar from Berenga PT-III
Bidar Laskar (32) from Kashipur PT-I
Rohit Hussain Laskar (19) from Bagadahar
Dilwar Hussain (30) of Berenga PT-IV
Rohit Ahmed Mazumder (19) from Berenga PT-IV
Dilwar Hussain (30) from Berenga PT-IV
Atikur Rahman Laskar (25) from Berenga PT-IV
Riyajul Laskar (24) from Berenga PT-IV
The charges against the accused include various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 – specifically 191(2), 191(3), 190, 223, 125, 132, 121(2), and 121(1). These mostly relate to unlawful assembly, rioting (especially with weapons or causing injuries), attacking or obstructing public servants, and damaging public property.
They have also been booked under Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, 1984, which deals with vandalism and destruction of public assets. This law allows for jail time and fines depending on how serious the damage is.
Cachar Police Numal Mahatta stated that, “Several unruly mob threw stones at the police. We acted quickly, filed a case and began our investigation. So far, we have arrested seven main accused involved in the violence and incitement. Some others are still on the run and have left the district, but they have been identified. Strict action will be taken against them.”
He added, “The protest was not peaceful or lawful. The group tried to enter the town and disturb public order. When police tried to stop them, they reacted violently. They threw stone at the police officials and CRPF. Our investigation is still going on.”
Police have stated they are searching to arrest other people who were involved in this accident.
