Assam: RAF Deployed, Internet Suspended as Tensions Escalate in Kokrajhar
Violence erupted in Kokrajhar district following a road incident that triggered mob clashes between communities, resulting in at least one death and multiple injuries; Rapid Action Force deployed and mobile internet suspended.
GUWAHATI- Tensions escalated into violent clashes in Assam’s Kokrajhar district on January 19–20, 2026, following a roadside incident that triggered retaliation from local groups, prompting law enforcement to deploy the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and suspend mobile internet services to prevent further unrest.
According to preliminary reports, the trouble began late on Monday night in the Karigaon area after a vehicle carrying people from one community struck two persons from another community on Mansingh Road under the Karigaon police outpost.
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The injured individuals were local residents, and tensions quickly intensified when villagers reportedly attacked the vehicle occupants and set the car ablaze. At least one person died of injuries sustained in the mob attack, while four others were seriously wounded and hospitalised.
By Tuesday, the situation had deteriorated further. Protesters from both communities blocked sections of National Highway 27, burnt tyres and structures, and in some cases set fire to homes and a government office, according to official accounts. A police outpost at Karigaon was also reportedly attacked.
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In response, the Assam government deployed additional police and Rapid Action Force units to contain the clashes. As a precautionary measure, mobile internet and data services were suspended across the district to curb the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content on social media platforms, while voice calls and fixed-line broadband services remained operational.
Security forces used lathi charge, tear gas and, in some instances, warning firing to disperse violent crowds, as sections of the mob hurled stones at police. Authorities said the measures were necessary to restore order and prevent further damage to life and property.
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The district administration also issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, banning assemblies of more than four people, rallies, sit-ins, marches and other forms of public protests without written permission — a move officials said was aimed at reducing the risk of further clashes.
The Assam Police stated that the situation in the Karigaon area is currently under control, urging the public to remain calm and not be swayed by rumours or unverified information circulating online. Senior officials added that certain elements attempting to disturb communal harmony had been identified and that strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and police have detained several individuals for questioning in connection with the violence.
