Guwahati: Reports of violence during polling hours triggered unrest in Khowang in Assam’s Dibrugarh district on Thursday, after an incident at Kutuha led to clashes between rival groups. The BJP and the Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP) blamed each other.
The BJP alleged that its workers were attacked inside a private residence located near the home of MLA Chakradhar Gogoi. The incident left multiple people hurt, including Prahlad Pandey, who had travelled from Jharkhand to assist during the election process.
Chakradhar Gogoi claimed that such incidents were not isolated, alleging that similar acts had taken place a day earlier in Halodhibari. He said his office was damaged during Thursday’s episode and party workers were beaten. He also accused those involved of targeting female staff members during the violence.
He said a formal complaint would be lodged with the police, naming those responsible. The MLA also warned that if arrests are delayed, he would organise a road protest at Kutuha along the national highway and continue it until action is taken.
Following the clash, BJP supporters allegedly damaged a Bolero vehicle, which they said was in response to the earlier incident. Soon after, party workers gathered on the highway and blocked traffic, pressing for immediate police intervention.
Pandey, who was injured in the incident, claimed that he was attacked without any warning. He said a group of around 20 individuals surrounded him, beat him up and attempted to choke him.
Both political sides accused each other of starting the confrontation. The AJP had not issued any official reaction till the time this report was filed.
Police teams arrived at the location shortly after the incident and took steps to stabilise the situation, while the voting process went on.