Doomdooma: Assam’s noted farmer Dhaniram Chetia was seriously injured after he was allegedly attacked with a sharp weapon while trying to stop suspected miscreants from stealing tea leaves in the Brahmajan area of Pengree in Tinsukia district on Sunday night.
According to sources, the incident took place around midnight while Chetia was keeping watch at the tea garden.
Chetia reportedly confronted a group allegedly stealing tea leaves and tried to stop them. During the confrontation, one of the alleged miscreants reportedly approached him from behind and attacked him with a sharp weapon.
Chetia sustained serious injuries and was taken to St Luke’s Hospital in Chabua during the night. He is undergoing treatment and is reported to be safe.
The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Pengree Police Station in Tinsukia district of Upper Assam.
Digboi MLA Suren Phukan condemned the incident and urged the administration to take stringent action against those responsible. He also prayed for Chetia’s speedy recovery.
“I strongly condemn the horrific attack on my brother-like ideal farmer Dhaniram Chetia. I urge the administration to take strict action against all those involved in the incident. I pray for Dhaniram Chetia’s speedy recovery,” Phukan said.
The incident has caused concern among people in the area, particularly as Chetia was allegedly attacked while trying to prevent the theft of tea leaves.
“Such incidents frequently occur in an area called No. 1 Taku Pathar in the Pengeri region. The menace of theft has been increasing day by day. For the past few days, as darkness falls, thieves have been seen identifying tea gardens where there is a large quantity of tea leaves and then filling bags with freshly plucked tea leaves and taking them away.
Anyone who tries to stop the thieves becomes a victim of assault. Today, they have injured one of Assam’s exemplary farmers. We are also surprised to know where these stolen green tea leaves are being bought and sold. The administration must take strict action against those purchasing these stolen tea leaves and ensure that the culprits are given the harshest possible punishment. Whoever the offenders may be, they must be appropriately punished. I urge the administration to take necessary action.
I pray for the speedy recovery of Dhaniram and wish him a very early recovery.” Dinesh Oja said.
A call has been made to the Tinsukia police administration to identify and arrest those responsible and take stringent legal action against them.
The exact circumstances of the attack and the identities of the alleged assailants are expected to emerge as the police investigation progresses.