Nagaon, May 18: A controversy has emerged involving the Sutirpar Forest Department under Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Nagaon district after allegations surfaced that forest personnel assaulted a local youth in a revenue village adjoining the sanctuary area.
According to local residents, personnel from the Sutirpar Forest Range Office allegedly entered the village and attacked a youth, leading to widespread protests among people living in nearby areas surrounding the sanctuary.
Residents of neighbouring villages have also levelled serious allegations against officials associated with the Sutirpar Forest Range Office. According to the claims made by locals, the office premises allegedly function as a gathering point for illegal fishermen during both daytime and nighttime hours.
Villagers further alleged that unlawful fishing activities are being carried out in wetlands and canals located within the forest camp area, claiming that certain forest officials may have extended tacit support to such activities. According to the allegations, fish worth several lakhs of rupees have been illegally extracted from areas inside the sanctuary.
Local residents claimed that tensions intensified after villagers objected to the alleged illegal fishing activities and raised concerns regarding the conduct of certain forest department personnel. They alleged that the assault on the youth occurred following these objections.
The incident has triggered strong reactions among local residents, who are demanding a detailed and impartial investigation into both the alleged assault and the accusations relating to illegal activities within the sanctuary area.
