Guwahati: A man suspected of involvement in illegal deforestation was allegedly killed in firing by forest personnel inside Raimona National Park in Assam’s Kokrajhar district on Wednesday, triggering tension in the nearby Sarlpara area.
The deceased has been identified as Phungkha Basumatary. According to preliminary information, the incident occurred in the Athiabari Range of the national park during an operation by forest officials against alleged illegal activities inside the protected forest.
Officials suspect Basumatary was involved in unlawful tree felling when forest personnel opened fire. He reportedly sustained bullet injuries and is believed to have died at the scene.
However, authorities had not recovered the body at the time this report was filed.
News of the incident sparked unrest among residents in the Sarlpara area, with locals raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding the firing. Security personnel and district authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any escalation.
Forest officials have not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident. The exact sequence of events leading to the firing remains unclear.
An official inquiry is expected to determine the circumstances under which the firing took place, while further details are awaited regarding the recovery of the body and the findings of the investigation.