The chief minister of Assam opens two new district jails in Baksa and Chirang.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated two state-of-the-art district jails in Chirang and Baksa districts on June 21, marking a significant step in strengthening the criminal justice system within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). These modern facilities are designed to collectively house 1,000 inmates, addressing long-standing infrastructure needs and supporting both undertrial and convicted prisoners. The new jails feature dedicated quarantine zones, separate medical units for men and women, classroom spaces, and a well-equipped library—all aimed at fostering rehabilitation, self-improvement, and successful reintegration into society. The inauguration was also attended by BTC Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro, who highlighted the commitment to a reform-oriented correctional system and enhanced law enforcement capacity in the region.

Assam: A vicious land grab violence in Goalpara seriously injures a mother and son

A shocking incident of rural violence in Assam’s Goalpara district has left a mother and son critically injured, sparking widespread outrage over police inaction and land rights. The attack by alleged land-grabbers—including a newly elected ward member—has raised urgent questions about law enforcement and the safety of vulnerable communities in the region. Civil society groups are now demanding swift justice, medical support for the victims, and accountability for those responsible.

ONGC reports significant progress in containing Assam gas blowout.

State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has made substantial progress in controlling the gas blowout at its Rudrasagar oil field in Assam, with gas flow rates now significantly reduced. The incident, which began on June 12 at well RDS#147A in Barichuk, led to the uncontrolled release of natural gas and prompted immediate containment efforts. An international expert team from CUDD Pressure Control, USA, has endorsed ONGC’s strategies, and ongoing safety measures include water blanketing, real-time gas monitoring, and the provision of relief camps for displaced residents. Efforts are currently focused on sealing the well using advanced techniques, while continuous air quality monitoring ensures safety for personnel and the environment.

Ahead of the polls, the Assam chief minister notes an increase in 5,000 “foreign” Facebook accounts.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has revealed that around 5,000 Facebook accounts, allegedly promoting a particular political party and sharing hardcore Islamic fundamentalist content, have become active ahead of the state elections. Many of these accounts, operating from outside India but falsely listing IIT Guwahati as their location, focus on Assam’s political scene and international Islamic issues. Authorities have traced some accounts to Bangladesh and Pakistan and are monitoring their activities. CM Sarma also issued a warning against violations of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, citing incidents of beef consumption in restricted zones during Id-ul-Zuha. Meanwhile, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi accused the BJP and its affiliates of stoking communal tensions ahead of the polls and called for investigations into provocative acts involving beef and cow parts.

Assam gas leak: Union Minister Puri says that pressure declines and that operations have started to prevent a catastrophe.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has confirmed that well control operations at the blowout site RDS 147A in Sivasagar, Assam, are progressing steadily. A specialist Crisis Management Team is on-site, employing junk shot and kill fluid methods as gas pressure has dropped significantly from 2600 psi to 500 psi. Residents in the vicinity have been relocated to relief camps, with the Assam government ensuring food, safety, and essential services. The well is being continuously blanketed with water to prevent fire, and air quality remains within safe limits as the released gas—97% methane—is dispersing upwards. Minister Puri expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for the swift response and stated that if current measures do not suffice, capping the well will be considered.

Guwahati traffic restrictions prior to Ambubachi Mahayog 2025

To ensure public safety and smooth movement for Ambubachi Mahayog 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Guwahati, has announced comprehensive traffic restrictions from June 22 to June 25. Key measures include strict vehicle access controls to Kamakhya Temple, reserved lanes for emergency vehicles, designated drop-off and parking areas for pilgrims, and bans on roadside parking along major routes. The Guwahati Traffic Police urges all citizens and pilgrims to strictly follow these guidelines to minimize congestion and ensure unhindered movement for emergency services during the festival.

One person is killed when an Avadh Assam train headed for Dibrugarh collides with a tram in Bihar.

A Dibrugarh-bound Avadh Assam Express train collided with a railway maintenance trolley near Maharani village, Katihar district, Bihar, on Friday afternoon, resulting in the death of one railway worker and serious injuries to four others. The accident occurred around 2:20 pm on the Barauni-Katihar section. The injured were rushed to Katihar hospital and are now in stable condition. Railway authorities have launched a high-level inquiry, with officials reviewing CCTV footage and safety protocols. Funeral allowances and ex gratia payments are being processed for the affected workers and their families.

As ONGC gets ready for critical capping, US experts arrive in Sivasagar.

A team of specialist engineers from the United States has arrived in Assam’s Sivasagar district to help contain the gas leak at ONGC’s RDS-147A well in Bhatiapar, now ongoing for nine days. The expert team is working closely with ONGC and local authorities to assess the situation and implement critical containment measures. With fears of ignition due to rising gas pressure, authorities stress that the next 36 hours are crucial. Local residents remain anxious, recalling the 2020 Baghjan blowout, as the district administration ensures round-the-clock monitoring and support for technical teams.

Assam: 210 quintals of grains were seized after ration card holders in Goalpara were duped.

A major crackdown in Goalpara’s Balbala area has exposed a PDS rice scam after authorities seized 420 sacks of government-supplied rice—far exceeding the permitted limit—from two godowns operated by agent Aliul Rahman. This shocking discovery, just ahead of the scheduled distribution, has sparked outrage and demands for a comprehensive audit of PDS agents in the region, as allegations of diversion of PDS rice and buying ration cards for cash come to light. Police have detained the agent, and investigations are underway to address this serious breach of public trust and food security.

Cotton University’s vice chancellor bestowed the NCC’s “Honorary Colonel” rank in Assam

In a proud moment for the North Eastern Region, Prof. Ramesh Chandra Deka, Vice Chancellor of Cotton University, was formally conferred the rank of ‘Honorary Colonel’ and appointed ‘Colonel Commandant’ in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) on June 20, 2025. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to youth development and steadfast support for NCC activities, Prof. Deka is the only Vice Chancellor in the region to receive this prestigious honour this year. The ceremony, attended by senior NCC dignitaries and cadets, marked a historic milestone for both Cotton University and the NCC fraternity, reinforcing their shared vision of academic excellence and disciplined leadership for national progress.