In a major development on Tuesday, Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi was detained by Assam Police while trying to visit an eviction site in the Chapar area of Dhubri district.
The detention took place near the Santoshpur Noor Nabi Masjid, located in the Charuwa-Bakhra area under the Chapar revenue circle, where a large-scale eviction drive is currently underway.
Over 3,500 Bighas of Land Cleared
The Dhubri district administration has launched a drive to clear over 3,500 bighas of government land. Reports indicate that more than 2,000 families had been residing on this land for several years.
The cleared land is earmarked for a proposed thermal power project under the Assam Power Development Corporation Limited (APDCL).
Public Outcry as Gogoi Reaches the Area
As Akhil Gogoi, a known activist-turned-legislator, attempted to reach the eviction site, tensions escalated. Locals blocked roads in protest, expressing strong opposition to the eviction of families who have lived there for years.
Police detained Gogoi, stating that his presence could have led to a law and order situation. His detention triggered further unrest among the affected residents.
Voluntary Evictions Amid Ongoing Tensions
Authorities stated that many families complied with prior eviction notices and left voluntarily. However, the overall atmosphere remains charged, with concerns about displacement and livelihood loss.
To support the evicted families, the administration announced a one-time financial assistance of ₹50,000 per family. Officials also assured that rehabilitation would be considered for landless residents.
Project and Protests Continue
The eviction is being carried out to facilitate a major infrastructure project, but resistance from locals and political intervention have complicated the process.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and further action is expected in the coming days. Gogoi’s detention has brought additional political attention to the eviction and the rights of displaced communities.
