1. Assam Police fired in Kochutoli village during a violent eviction clash with alleged encroachers.
2. The operation aimed to remove individuals who had illegally reoccupied land previously cleared of encroachments.
3. The confrontation occurred when the Sonapur Circle office team, backed by police, arrived to enforce the court order.
Guwahati, Sep 13: Assam Police were compelled to open fire in Kochutoli village, Kamrup (Metropolitan) district, amidst a violent clash during an eviction operation aimed at removing alleged encroachers.
The confrontation unfolded when a team from the Sonapur Circle office, supported by the police, arrived in the village to enforce a court order evicting individuals who had unlawfully reoccupied land previously cleared of encroachers.
The eviction operation, intended to address long-standing issues of illegal occupation, quickly descended into chaos. Upon arrival, the team was met with a hostile reception from the villagers, armed with sharp weapons, sticks, and stones.
The aggressive response from the mob resulted in significant violence, with the officials and police being targeted in a brutal assault.
During the clash, a magistrate sustained injuries, and over ten police personnel were also injured. The mob’s actions were particularly destructive, causing severe damage to a police vehicle that was on site to support the operation.
The situation escalated rapidly, endangering the safety of the eviction team and the residents.
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Faced with a worsening situation and the risk of further violence, the police deemed it necessary to use live ammunition as a last resort. This measure was taken to disperse the mob and restore order, aiming to protect the team and ensure the safety of all involved.
The decision to open fire underscores the severity of the confrontation and the challenges faced by law enforcement in carrying out their duties amidst escalating violence.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions related to land encroachment and the complex dynamics between local communities and enforcement agencies.
The authorities have since called for a thorough investigation into the clash and emphasized the need to maintain peace and order during such operations.
