Dibrugarh, March 17: Authorities in Dibrugarh on March 17 carried out a large-scale eviction drive along the Brahmaputra embankment, clearing nearly nine bighas of allegedly encroached government land.
The operation was conducted with bulldozers under heavy police deployment and in compliance with court directives, officials said. Eyewitnesses reported that structures built on the land were demolished within hours as part of the drive. District authorities maintained that the action was part of an ongoing effort to reclaim government land from illegal occupation and enforce legal norms.
However, the eviction has sparked public debate, particularly over its timing, coming shortly after election notifications were announced in Assam.
The drive has also brought to light allegations of a possible land scam. One of the evicted residents claimed on camera that several families had purchased portions of the land for around ₹40,000 from an individual locally known as “Musua” or “Bhaga,” reportedly without any legal documentation. The claim has raised concerns over fraudulent land transactions and the exploitation of buyers.
The development has prompted questions over how such encroachment was allowed to continue for years without intervention. Concerns have also been raised about the identity and role of the individual accused of selling government land and the apparent lack of administrative action.
While authorities have reiterated that the eviction was carried out strictly under judicial orders, sections of the public and political observers have questioned whether the timing could have electoral implications.
Reactions among residents have been mixed, with some supporting the move as necessary to reclaim public land, while others have called for a detailed investigation into the alleged scam and accountability for those involved.
Officials have not yet issued a detailed response regarding the allegations linked to the individual identified by residents. Meanwhile, demands are increasing for a comprehensive probe to determine the extent of the alleged fraud and examine any administrative lapses.
