The Assam government has moved swiftly after the lathi-charge incident in Golakganj, Dhubri district. Superintendent of Police (SP) Leena Doley has been transferred to the Assam Police Headquarters in Ulubari, Guwahati.
The decision came days after protests in Golakganj turned violent. Police resorted to baton charge to control the crowd, triggering strong reactions from opposition parties and civil society groups.
The state Home Department directed the transfer, citing the need for immediate administrative control and an impartial review of the incident.
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Debasish Borah Given Additional Charge
With the sudden vacancy, Debasish Borah, currently serving as Commandant of the 1st Assam Police Battalion, has been given additional charge as Dhubri SP.
Borah will oversee law and order in one of Assam’s most sensitive districts until further orders. Dhubri borders West Bengal and Bangladesh, making it a crucial region for security and administrative oversight.
The government stressed that the move was necessary to maintain public trust and ensure effective policing in the aftermath of the incident.
Golakganj Protests and Lathi-Charge
The controversy began when protestors gathered in Golakganj to demonstrate against local issues. The protest quickly escalated as crowds blocked roads and clashed with the police.
In response, police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the agitators. Videos of the incident circulated widely, showing protestors being chased and beaten.
Human rights groups and opposition parties condemned the action, alleging excessive force. They demanded accountability and disciplinary measures against officers involved.
Opposition Demands Action
Opposition leaders in Assam seized the moment to target the government. They accused the administration of failing to handle peaceful demonstrations with sensitivity.
The Congress and AIUDF demanded a judicial probe into the lathi-charge. They argued that repeated use of force in handling civilian protests was undermining democratic values.
Some leaders also claimed that the transfer of SP Leena Doley was not enough. They called for stronger punitive measures and an assurance that such incidents would not recur.
Government’s Response
The state government defended its decision, saying that the transfer was a preventive step to ensure fairness in the inquiry. Officials maintained that law enforcement must act to maintain order but also acknowledged the need for proportional response.
The Chief Minister’s Office has asked for a detailed report on the incident. Senior police officials are expected to submit findings within the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, authorities have appealed to the people of Dhubri to remain calm and cooperate with the administration.
Spotlight on Dhubri District
The transfer has once again brought Dhubri into the spotlight. Known for its ethnic diversity and sensitive borders, the district has witnessed several law and order challenges over the years.
Border security, smuggling, and communal tensions make the job of SP particularly demanding. Observers believe that Borah’s additional charge is a test of his administrative skills in handling high-pressure situations.
The Golakganj incident has only deepened concerns about how protests are managed in the region.
Police Accountability and Public Trust
The transfer of a senior officer following a public incident raises questions about police accountability in Assam. Civil society groups argue that such measures are often cosmetic unless accompanied by long-term reforms.
They point to the need for better training in crowd control, community policing, and conflict resolution. The goal, they say, should be to avoid escalation rather than react with force.
Maintaining public trust in law enforcement remains a challenge. Critics warn that repeated clashes between police and civilians could erode confidence in governance.
What Lies Ahead
The focus now shifts to Debasish Borah, who will shoulder the responsibility of restoring calm in Dhubri. His leadership will be closely watched as the district navigates a sensitive phase.
The inquiry report on the Golakganj lathi-charge will also play a key role in shaping public perception. Any delay or lack of transparency could further intensify criticism.
For now, the government’s move signals an effort to balance law enforcement with accountability. But whether it succeeds in addressing deeper concerns about policing methods remains to be seen.
Call to Action
The Dhubri SP transfer is more than an administrative shuffle. It highlights the pressing need for sensitive policing and transparent governance in Assam.
As the inquiry unfolds, citizens and stakeholders must keep a close watch. Ensuring justice and preventing future clashes is not just the responsibility of the police but of the entire democratic system.
