Seven Arrested For Stone Pelting, Inciting Violence During Waqf Amendment Protest Against In Silchar

Seven people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in stone pelting and inciting violence during a protest against the Waqf Amendment held in Silchar on Sunday, April 13. The arrests were made on Tuesday (April 15) night following a police operation in Bagadahar and Kashipur areas under the jurisdiction of Silchar Police Station.

According to Cachar Police, around 9:30 AM on April 13, approximately 300 individuals gathered at Berenga village and began marching towards Silchar town in protest. A police team from Silchar Police Station attempted to stop the group and resorted to a mild lathicharge to disperse the mob. In retaliation, the unruly mob pelted stones at the police teams. A case was registered in connection with the incident.

During the operation conducted on the night of April 15, police picked up seven individuals alleged to be primarily involved in the incident. They were arrested and later sent to judicial custody. The arrested individuals have been identified as:

1. Nazmul Islam Laskar alias Kablu, son of Late Kholilur Rahman Laskar of Berenga PT-III

2. Bidar Laskar (32), son of Madrish Ali Laskar of Kashipur PT-I

3. Rohit Hussain Laskar (19), son of Altaf Hussain Laskar of Bagadahar

4. Dilwar Hussain (30), son of Sarif Uddin Laskar of Berenga PT-IV

5. Rohit Ahmed Mazumder (19), son of Late Taj Uddin Mazumder of Berenga PT-IV

6. Atikur Rahman Laskar (25), son of Atabur Rahman Laskar of Berenga PT-IV

7. Riyajul Laskar (24), son of Late Imam Uddin Laskar of Berenga PT-IV

The listed sections against them are Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 — 191(2), 191(3), 190, 223, 125, 132, 121(2), and 121(1). These sections primarily deal with offences related to unlawful assembly, rioting (including with weapons or causing injury), assault or obstruction of public servants, and damage to public property. Additionally, Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, 1984 specifically addresses acts of vandalism or destruction of public assets, prescribing imprisonment and fines depending on the gravity of the damage.

Speaking on the matter, Cachar Superintendent of Police said, “In this incident, an unruly mob pelted stones at the police. We took immediate action, registered a case, and initiated an investigation. Seven people who were prime accused in the violence and incitement have been arrested. Some others are absconding and are currently outside the district. However, they have been identified, and strict action will be taken against them.”

He further added, “The protest was undemocratic and unlawful. The group attempted to enter the town and disrupt law and order. When police tried to intervene, they retaliated with violence. Our investigation is ongoing.”

Police statement mentioned that the search for the remaining accused is underway.