Assam: Tension in Dhula, curfew clamped following death of a person in police firing

Tension is running high in Darrang in Assam following the death of a protester in police firing. Curfew is clamped in the Dhula area.

The incident took place in Dhula, around 100 km away from Guwahati when people gathered to protest the custodial death of Hasen Ali, a labourer. Section 144 of CrPC is clamped in the area.

Ali who belonged to Bengali speaking minority community worked as a daily labourer in Karnataka allegedly died in police custody.


A senior police official told ET, “Locals allege that Ali died in custody following police atrocities. Officer-in-charge (OC) of Dhula police station, Ranjit Hazarika is placed under suspension.”

Police had searched Ali's house suspecting him of possessing illegal arms. Ali was arrested by police, he was admitted to Gauhati Medical College after Ali fell ill, and died in the hospital.

On Wednesday angry locals protested on National Highway 15 demanding action against guilty police officer. The protest turned violent with protesters pelting stone at police station.

Police had to baton charge and fire tear gas shells to quell the mob. Mohidul Haque died in the incident. Several others including three policemen were also injured.

State government has ordered probe into the incident. Darrang deputy commissioner, Ashok Kumar Barman told ET, “Situation is under control. Dhula area is placed under curfew.”

He added, “Additional district commissioner will probe the allegation of custodial death and submit report within 15 days.”

This incident has taken place at a time when political atmosphere in Assam is already surcharged following the publication of first partial draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused that NRC draft is an attempt to drive out Bengalis from Assam, Banerjee stand is supported by couple of congress leaders who alleged that Bengalees of Barak valley are being victimized and there is racial profiling going on.