Communal tensions flared in Assam's Dhubri district following the discovery of animal remains near a Hindu temple, leading to the arrest of 38 people as of June 14, 2025, for allegedly attempting to incite communal violence. The situation prompted the imposition of prohibitory orders, a night-time shoot-at-sight order by the Chief Minister, and the deployment of additional security forces.
The unrest began on Sunday, June 8, 2025, a day after Eid-ul-Azha, when a severed cow head was allegedly found near a Hanuman temple. While community leaders initially resolved the matter through discussion, tensions re-emerged the following day when another animal head was discovered at the same location. This sparked widespread protests, with residents blocking roads, shouting slogans, and burning tires. They also prevented the police from removing the remains, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
In response to the escalating situation, Deputy Commissioner Dibakar Nath issued orders prohibiting gatherings of five or more people in Dhubri town. Rallies, processions, meetings, and demonstrations were also banned under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Dhubri on Friday, June 13, 2025, to review the situation. He directed officials to issue shoot-at-sight orders for nighttime, warning that anyone creating disturbances would be shot. The Rapid Action Force and the Central Reserve Police Force were also deployed to maintain order. Sarma claimed that the animal remains found near the temple were indeed the head of a cow.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Sarma alleged that a day before Bakri Eid, posters appeared in Dhubri, seemingly from a group called Nabin Bangla, advocating for the district's merger with Bangladesh. Dhubri shares a border with Bangladesh, and Sarma asserted that a communal group was attempting to spread tensions in the area, with possible involvement from across the border.
In addition to the arrests directly related to the temple incident, authorities have also taken action against those spreading misinformation. Two individuals were arrested for allegedly publishing and circulating fake and inflammatory content on social media platforms in relation to the violence. Joychan Ali was accused of uploading a fabricated video, while Johrul Hoque Ahmed allegedly disseminated multiple fake news items, further aggravating communal tensions. They have been charged under legal provisions for offenses related to undermining the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, as well as for committing deliberate and malicious acts intended to hurt religious sentiments.
The government has also transferred Dhubri's Senior Superintendent of Police, Navin Singh, replacing him with Leena Doley. Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed concern over the incidents in Dhubri and supported the shoot-at-sight order against those inciting communal tensions. However, he also pointed to the state government's failure to prevent alleged Bangladeshi elements from instigating violence.
As of June 15, 2025, the situation in Dhubri is reportedly calming down, with prohibitory orders withdrawn. However, security forces remain on high alert, and efforts are ongoing to prevent further violence and maintain communal harmony. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors, refrain from sharing unverified information, and maintain mutual respect between communities.
