Kaziranga National Park Suspends Jeep Safaris Amid Monsoon Concerns
Starting May 19, Assam’s Kaziranga National Park will halt jeep safaris indefinitely due to adverse weather and poor road conditions. The order, issued by the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, was confirmed by the Chief Minister’s office. Kaziranga, renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros, is the largest national park and tiger reserve in Northeast India, spanning Golaghat and Nagaon districts along the Brahmaputra River.
Amulya Baruah, Renowned Assamese Graphic Designer, Passes Away at 75
Amulya Baruah, the internationally acclaimed Assamese graphic designer, passed away at 75 following a stroke in London. Born in Digboi, Assam, Baruah’s journey from Cotton College to the Sir JJ School of Art shaped his artistic legacy. He designed Assam’s iconic one-horned rhinoceros logo before moving to England, where he founded Plus One Design, a leading graphic design firm in London. He is survived by his wife, Lily, a member of the Thai royal family, and their son, Jasper.
The Government Railway Police (GRPS) intercepted a large consignment of suspected cannabis at Guwahati railway station on Wednesday, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking. Acting on credible intelligence, law enforcement seized 65.5 kg of contraband from Train No. 12423 New Delhi Rajdhani Express during an intensive search on platform 1. Four individuals, identified as Nongthombam Landson Singh, Raireikhan Tungshang, James Kamei, and Pukhrambam Kanta Singh, were arrested for allegedly transporting the drugs from Dimapur Railway Station to New Delhi. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings and are conducting further investigations to uncover the broader trafficking network.
An uncontrolled crude oil and natural gas leak at the Nagajan oilfield in Duliajan, Assam, has raised concerns among residents following a powerful burst at Well No. 309. This incident, mirroring a similar leakage in March 2025, underscores vulnerabilities in oilfield management. Emergency teams, including Oil India Limited (OIL) and fire crews, are working to contain the situation. The recurrence of such leaks highlights the urgent need for stringent maintenance measures to prevent potential disasters akin to the Baghjan Oil Field Tragedy of 2020.
Tezpur University released the second issue of its Multidisciplinary Research Journal (MRJ), a peer-reviewed quarterly publication celebrated as the first of its kind in Northeast India. Highlighting interdisciplinary research, the MRJ features contributions from 74 authors across 25 institutions, addressing key issues such as health, environmental protection, and cultural heritage. Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh emphasized the role of the National Education Policy 2020 in fostering the university’s commitment to innovative, multidisciplinary education and research.
A massive forest fire erupted in the Nadipar area near Dirang town, Arunachal Pradesh, engulfing several acres of forest land. Swift action by multiple agencies, including the ITBP, local police, and fire services, brought the blaze under control by Thursday evening, April 24. Fortunately, no casualties or property damage were reported.
A Hindu family from Silchar, Assam, narrowly escaped a tragic end during a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. As the attackers confronted them, Professor Debasees Bhattacharya’s presence of mind and knowledge of the Islamic Kalima saved his family. This harrowing event has sparked discussions about safety, religious identity, and the growing menace of terrorism. In response, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has announced stringent measures, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlining India’s course of action against Pakistan.
A tragic incident has shaken Guwahati during the Rongali Bihu celebrations, as a 19-year-old university student was allegedly sexually assaulted in a hotel room by a man she met via a dating app. The accused, identified as Hemanta Sonowal from Digboi, had introduced himself as an HPCL employee. After moving their conversation from the dating app to Instagram, he persuaded the victim to meet him at a hotel in Hatigaon, where the alleged assault occurred.
The traumatized victim informed her family, who promptly filed a complaint at Noonmati Police Station. Police responded swiftly, tracing and arresting the accused in Bhangagarh. Authorities have confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and assured that strict legal action will be taken.
This distressing case underscores the urgent need for vigilance in online interactions and continued advocacy for survivor support and justice.
On the morning of April 22, the Gauhati High Court received a bomb threat via email from an unknown group calling themselves the “Madras Tigers.” The group claimed to have planted explosive devices within the court premises. In response, local authorities immediately deployed a police team to search the building. As of now, no devices have been found, and police believe the threat may be a hoax. Despite the scare, court operations continued without disruption. Authorities are continuing their investigation to assess the validity of the threat and ensure public safety
Barak Bolchhe!
