‘We Want Justice’: 4 Youths Attacked During Dashami in Cachar, 2 Severely Injured, Families Demand Action

Four youths, including three Dimasa youths, Tarjan Barman, Rajib Barman (also known as Majit Barman) and Samarjit Barman, and one Bengali youth, Soumitra Das (also known as Raju Das), were allegedly brutally assaulted in the Bikrampur area of Katigorah in Assam’s Cachar district on the night of 21 October, during Durga Puja Dashami. The victims’ families have alleged that the attackers used glass bottles and bamboo sticks, leaving the youths seriously injured.

The family also accused the police of failing to take prompt action despite a complaint being filed and have appealed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Cachar Superintendent of Police Partha Pratim Das for justice and protection.

Speaking to the media, family members described the severity of the injuries and expressed fear for the victims’ safety. One of the victims’ sisters, who reportedly travelled from Haflong after learning about the incident, broke down while describing his condition. She questioned who would look after his family if he did not survive and demanded justice.

Another victim’s sister-in-law alleged that her brother-in-law and his friends were minding their own business when they were attacked. She identified Biswajit Dev, also known as Abu, and Sanjib Dev as the alleged attackers, adding that several other people also surrounded and assaulted the youths.

According to her account, Raju Das was left unconscious following the assault. She alleged that those present even used a cigarette to burn his skin to check whether he was still alive, as he was showing no apparent response.

Tarjan Barman’s wife also recounted the incident, stating the youths were struck with bottles and bamboo sticks, resulting in serious injuries. Her husband reportedly sustained a head injury that caused severe bleeding.

The families alleged that the attackers repeatedly threatened to eliminate members of the Kachari community. The families have described these alleged remarks as threats directed at the community, raising concerns about possible ethnic hostility. However, the allegations have not been independently verified.

Following the incident, the injured youths were initially taken to Sonapur Health Centre. However, due to the seriousness of their condition, they were subsequently referred to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.

The victims’ relatives alleged that they submitted a written complaint at Bihara Police Outpost but were not provided with an FIR number. They further claimed that they approached Kalain Police Station on 25 October and received a General Diary (GD) number, but had still not received an FIR number by the time they spoke to the media.

They also alleged that they had continued to receive threats following the incident and were living in fear for their safety. The families reportedly surrounded the Bihara Police Outpost to demand the arrest of those allegedly involved. However, they claimed that their demands had not resulted in the action they were seeking.

With their concerns over the victims’ condition and their own safety continuing, the families have appealed directly to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Cachar Superintendent of Police Partha Pratim Das for urgent intervention.

While speaking to the media, they sought protection and demanded that those responsible for the alleged assault be brought to justice without further delay.