An incident that has shaken the business community of lower Assam, eleven shops were burgled overnight at Bhauraguri market, located in the Kokrajhar district. The burglaries occurred during heavy rainfall, and locals are blaming police negligence for the lack of response and preventive action.
According to eyewitness accounts, the thefts occurred in the early hours of Sunday while incessant rains lashed the region. Finally, traders and shop owners arrived in the morning to find broken shutters, stolen goods, and significant monetary losses.
Locals Hold Police Responsible
Anger is growing in the community as residents accuse the police of being absent and inattentive. “This isn’t the first time theft has happened here. Moreover, despite repeated complaints, night patrols are irregular or completely missing,” said Pradip Mandal, a garment shop owner who lost merchandise worth over ₹2 lakhs.
Members of the local traders’ union staged a demonstration near the Bhauraguri Police Outpost, demanding action against officers who failed to ensure security despite warnings about criminal activity. Many pointed to the fact that burglars took advantage of the rain, knowing visibility and mobility would be limited.
Investigation Underway, But No Arrests Yet
Police officials confirmed the incident and said investigations have begun. “We are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and speaking to potential witnesses,” said Kokrajhar SP Rupam Hazarika. “We take these burglaries very seriously and will do everything to identify and catch the culprits.”
Despite these assurances, no arrests have been made as of Monday morning, deepening the frustration among shopkeepers who fear similar attacks in the future. Local MLA Manoranjan Brahma has urged the police department to increase vigilance and restore public confidence.
Pattern of Thefts Raises Alarm
This latest incident is not isolated. The Bhauraguri market area has seen a spate of petty thefts, but the scale of this coordinated burglary is unprecedented, say market observers. Electronic shops, small grocery stores, mobile phone retailers, and even a tea stall were among those targeted.
“Had there been regular patrolling, this wouldn’t have happened. We feel helpless,” said Anjali Basumatary, whose family’s general store was looted.
Traders Demand Increased Security Measures
With monsoon rains expected to intensify in the coming weeks. Besides, traders fear more such incidents unless concrete security arrangements are made. They are demanding:
- Night patrols by local police units
- Installation of additional street lighting
- A functioning community CCTV system
- A permanent police outpost near the main market
A delegation from the Kokrajhar District Chamber of Commerce is expected to meet district officials on Tuesday to submit a formal memorandum.
Political Leaders React
Local political leaders have taken note of the incident. Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) leader Ugrasen Brahma criticized the state government, stating, “What happened in Bhauraguri is proof that law and order in remote areas of Assam has collapsed.”
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have assured the public that swift corrective measures will follow and urged citizens to stay patient while investigations are ongoing.
A Wake-Up Call for Assam’s Local Markets
The Bhauraguri market burglary has once again raised questions about police readiness, especially in semi-urban and rural pockets of Assam. While floods and natural calamities remain the major concerns in the monsoon season, rising crime amid the chaos adds a new layer of risk for already struggling small businesses.
Call to Action
Authorities must rebuild trust with the public by ensuring transparency in the investigation and deploying adequate security measures. Further, as Assam’s markets continue to battle seasonal and economic challenges, the need for effective law enforcement is more urgent than ever.
Assam Police Official Website
India Meteorological Department (IMD)