"Rahul Gandhi's Irresponsible rhetoric endangered lives, disrupted peace in our State": Assam CM Sarma

Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 18 (ANI): A day after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's visit to Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that the Congress MP's irresponsible behaviour had endangered lives and disrupted peace in the state.
In a post on X, CM Sarma said that 21 police personnel were injured after a violent mob attacked while attempting to forcefully enroach upon the Paikan Reserve Forest.

Rahul Gandhi came to Assam and openly encouraged encroachers to occupy forest land. Emboldened by his reckless words, today a violent mob attacked our police and forest personnel while attempting to forcefully encroach upon the Paikan Reserve Forest.

In the line of duty, 21…

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 17, 2025
"Rahul Gandhi came to Assam and openly encouraged encroachers to occupy forest land. Emboldened by his reckless words, today a violent mob attacked our police and forest personnel while attempting to forcefully encroach upon the Paikan Reserve Forest," he said.
"In the line of duty, 21 brave police officers and forest guards suffered grievous injuries. Left with no choice, the police had to open fire to restore order, leading to the unfortunate death of one encroacher," CM Sarma added.
He noted that this is the "disastrous legacy" of Rahul Gandhi's one-day visit to Assam.
"His irresponsible rhetoric has directly endangered lives and disrupted peace in our state. The people of Assam will neither forget nor forgive this betrayal," the Assam CM said.
Later in the day, speaking to reporters, CM Biswa told reporters, "Police will go through the speeches made by Rahul Gandhi and (Congress President) Mallikarjun Kharge. If we see some elements invite penal action, the Police will not hesitate to take action against Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge".
According to the police, the miscreants attacked the security personnel at Paikan Reserve Forest area when a joint team of police and the forest department went to the area for routine patrolling.
Akhilesh Kumar Singh, IGP (L&O) of Assam police, told ANI over the phone that several police personnel were injured, including two seriously injured, following an attack by some miscreants.The miscreants also pelted stones targeting to security personnel. Following retaliatory action by security personnel, a few miscreants were also injured. (ANI)