Overview
- The Kokrajhar District Committee of the World Hindu Federation enforced a 12-hour bandh from 6 am, closing most shops and transport while exempting essential services.
- District authorities invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and deployed security personnel at key points to maintain order.
- Officials said the shutdown passed peacefully and issued advisories urging residents to ignore rumors and report misleading messages.
- Police identified the accused as Rafikul Islam, a labourer from Chapar in Dhubri district, and arrested him shortly after the incident reported around 9:30 am on Jan 10.
- Investigators plan to record the victim’s statement and complete medical and legal formalities, as reports noted communal rhetoric and claims that locals initially assaulted the accused before police custody.