Rampage at Runikhata: Forest Office Under Siege in Assam

In Assam's Chirang district, a mob vandalized the Runikhata range office and torched vehicles following the detention of locals for encroaching reserved forest land. The situation was controlled by police after additional forces were deployed. Tensions arose after claims of alleged assault by forest personnel.

In a violent escalation, a mob ransacked the Runikhata range office in Assam's Chirang district on Friday, inclining to arson and vandalism after locals were detained over alleged encroachment of reserved forest land.

Tensions erupted as claims of assault by forest personnel emerged, with protesters armed with sticks gathering, torching vehicles, and hurling stones at officials. Senior police managed containment, employing lathi-charge and deploying extra security forces.

Amid ongoing unrest, substantial damage to the forest office and looting allegations are under review, while authorities urge complaints to be formally lodged as solutions for discontent.

(With inputs from agencies.)