Tensions escalated sharply on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Kokrajhar district of Assam as violent clashes broke out between the Bodo and tribal communities. The unrest followed a deadly incident the previous night when a vehicle carrying three Bodos struck two tribals near the Karigaon police outpost, triggering mob violence that left one person dead. In response to the worsening law and order situation, authorities deployed the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and imposed a temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services to curb the spread of inflammatory content.
The Incident That Sparked the Violence
According to officials from the Home Department, the trouble began on Monday night, January 19, when the vehicle with three Bodo occupants hit two tribal individuals on Mansingh Road near Karigaon. This accident quickly escalated as neighbouring tribal villagers reacted violently, assaulting the Bodo men and setting the vehicle on fire. The mob violence resulted in the death of one person, intensifying tensions between the two communities. This incident has raised serious concerns over inter-community relations and the fragile peace in the Kokrajhar region.
Outbreak of Clashes and Property Damage
The situation worsened on Tuesday as both Bodo and tribal groups took to the streets to protest. Demonstrators blocked the National Highway adjacent to the Karigaon outpost, burning tyres to barricade the road and create chaos. The violence escalated to property destruction, with several houses and even a government office being set ablaze. The police outpost at Karigaon also came under attack during the clashes, highlighting the intensity and severity of the unrest. Local authorities struggled to bring the situation under control as emotions ran high on both sides.
Government Response and Preventive Measures
To prevent further deterioration of the law and order situation, the Rapid Action Force was deployed in the affected areas to restore calm and deter additional violence. Authorities were also concerned about the role of social media in spreading rumors and provocative messages that could further inflame tensions. As a precaution, the Home Department temporarily suspended internet and mobile data services for all service providers across the entire district. However, voice calls and fixed-line broadband connections have been allowed to remain functional to ensure communication is not completely disrupted. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, working to restore peace and prevent any recurrence of such violent clashes.
