The Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has initiated a Rs 4.2 crore redevelopment project for Dighalipukhuri park, sparking concerns among local residents and the ‘Save Guwahati Build Guwahati’ forum over potential impacts on its open atmosphere. However, ATDC has clarified that instead of solid walls, the boundary will feature metal grills placed at intervals to maintain visibility and accessibility. The project aims to enhance infrastructure while promoting tourism in Guwahati.”
*”A devastating fire in Assam’s Sonitpur district led to the tragic death of lawyer Bikash Sharma while his sister narrowly escaped with injuries. The inferno completely engulfed their home in Tezpur late at night, leaving the community in mourning as authorities continue investigating the cause.
Meanwhile, another massive fire broke out at an electronics showroom in Jorhat’s Old Balibat area, resulting in losses estimated at Rs 50 lakh. The showroom housed high-value electronic goods, all destroyed in the blaze, though the family residing upstairs was safely evacuated.”
In an effort to address the ethnic conflict in Manipur, a peace conference hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on April 5 brought together representatives of the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The MHA proposed a six-point resolution as a roadmap for peace, emphasizing appeals to civil society groups to discourage violence and promising future consultations on contentious issues. Both communities expressed their concerns, with Meitei leaders stressing the territorial integrity of Manipur, while Kuki representatives highlighted their community’s needs. This marks the first direct dialogue between the groups since violence erupted in May 2023, which has led to significant loss of life and displacement.
The Assam government has initiated a major administrative reshuffle, involving the transfer and reassignment of 20 IAS and ACS officers to new roles across the state. Notable appointments include Monuj Kumar Baruah as CEO of Zilla Parishad, Jorhat; Satish Chandra Thakuria as CEO of Zilla Parishad, Sivasagar; and Monuranjan Payeng as CEO of Zilla Parishad, Lakhimpur. The changes, which aim to boost administrative efficiency and enhance public service delivery, have been directed to take immediate effect.
“Khalil Uddin Barbhuiya, a farmer from Assam, allegedly killed his wife, Hassan Begum Barbhuiya, in a farm hut near Buhchangphai village on the Assam-Mizoram border. The tragic act, reportedly driven by vengeance after her elopement with another man, has sparked investigations. While Khalil remains on the run, authorities are actively searching for him and engaging with local communities to prevent communal tensions in the sensitive border region.”
Authorities in South Tripura recovered a suspected drone near the India-Bangladesh border, causing concerns of a potential security breach. Found 300 meters from the international fence, the drone is being investigated for its origin and purpose. Preliminary analysis indicates it may have crossed from Bangladesh, raising fears of smuggling or espionage. The BSF and local police are collaborating to trace its flight path and assess the threat.”
In a harrowing case from Varanasi, a 19-year-old girl has accused 23 men of abducting and gang-raping her over a week between March 29 and April 4, 2025. The survivor, a resident of Pandeypur Lalpur, went missing after visiting a hookah bar in Sigra with her boyfriend. According to her statement, she was drugged, kidnapped, and repeatedly assaulted at various locations across the city. After managing to return home, she informed her family, prompting an FIR to be registered on April 6. So far, six suspects have been arrested, and police are actively examining CCTV footage as the investigation unfolds.
The Assam Police arrested Shivshankar Prasad, a UCO Bank employee, on April 6 in Bihar for his involvement in a significant embezzlement case at the South Salmara branch in Dhubri. Prasad allegedly misappropriated Rs 8 lakh from customer deposits and Rs 26 lakh from the bank’s reserves. Upon his arrest, Rs 10 lakh in cash was recovered. Complaints from account holders prompted an internal review, leading to a formal complaint by the branch manager, Chiradeep Paul. Prasad has been brought back to Assam, and investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the embezzlement and recover the stolen funds.
A devastating fire broke out in the LG electronics showroom in the Old Balibat area of Jorhat town on Sunday morning, causing an estimated loss of around Rs. 50 lakh. The fire, suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit, destroyed high-value electronic items like LED TVs, air conditioners, and refrigerators. The family living on the upper floor of the building was safely evacuated by firefighters. Four fire tenders were deployed, successfully containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to nearby shops. A detailed investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Tensions have risen in the Ranghar Chariali Dhuliapara area of Sivasagar, Assam, following the death of Mousumi Sultana. Her family has accused her husband and mother-in-law of murdering her after repeated incidents of domestic violence. They allege the perpetrators staged her death as a road accident. Locals and her family are now demanding a comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice.
Barak Bolchhe!
