An eviction drive has carried out in Paikan Reserve Forest, Goalpara on Wednesday morning which turned violent. To control the violence, police opened fire allegedly on encroachers, which leaves one person died and another injured. Unconfirmed reports also indicate injuries among police personnel during the confrontation.
The eviction drive carried out led by Assam Police and Forest Department. The situation become violent when a large group of residents—allegedly living illegally on forest land—resisted the eviction team’s advance. Some members of the crowd reportedly launched an attack on police personnel and tried to obstruct the operation.
Police officials stated that they were forced to open fire in self-defence after the eviction team came under attack. The deceased has been identified as Shakuar Hussain, while the injured civilian is Kutubuddin Sheikh.
Dramatic visuals from the scene show chaos unfolding, with dozens of individuals throwing stones at the police and attacking an excavator involved in the operation. Some seen wielding sticks and chasing members of the eviction squad. One video captured the moment the excavator, along with police personnel, attempted to retreat under a shower of stones.
The eviction drive has launched to clear over 140 hectares of encroached land within the Paikan Reserve Forest, which is situated under the Krishnai range. The areas of Bidyapara and Betbari have reportedly been settled by families without legal authorization for years.
In the lead-up to the eviction, authorities had conducted days of groundwork. Forest and police officials increased patrolling in the area and made repeated public announcements via loudspeakers, urging residents to vacate peacefully before the deadline.
