Rage Erupts at Runikhata: Forest Personnel Injured in Mob Violence

Violence erupted at the Runikhata range office in Assam's Chirang district after a mob vandalized property in protest against the detention of locals accused of encroaching on forest land. The chaos left several forest personnel injured, as tensions flared over alleged mistreatment by officials.

A violent confrontation unfolded at the Runikhata range office in Assam's Chirang district on Friday. A mob reportedly ransacked the facility and set government vehicles ablaze following the detention of locals for allegedly encroaching on reserved forest land.

The mob, armed with sticks, blocked roads and hurled accusations at forest personnel, claiming they were assaulted, including two women protestors. The unrest intensified after some locals were detained for allegedly illegally cutting forest land in the Ripu–Chirang Reserve Forest.

Senior police officers and the local administration urged calm, asking protestors to formally report their allegations. In the aftermath, authorities scrambled to restore order amid demands for accountability and action against forest officials.

(With inputs from agencies.)