A vigilante group in Assam that has targeted outsider communities for over a decade is now facing government action. The Veer Lachit Sena, formed in 2010, has been known for confronting non-Assamese workers and business owners. The state government launched a crackdown after the abduction of businessman Rahul Misra in Guwahati on Sunday. Among the eight arrests made, five belong to the Sena. Police have detained several leaders, including Chief Secretary Rantu Paniphukan. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has threatened to ban the organisation, accusing it of extortion. This is the first time the BJP government has publicly moved against the outfit, despite past instances when the group appeared aligned with government activities, particularly during eviction drives targeting alleged encroachers in forest lands across Assam.
Kidnapping Case Triggers Government Crackdown
The immediate trigger for action was the abduction of Rahul Misra from Borbari area in Guwahati on Sunday. He was rescued the same night. DCP Mrinal Deka confirmed five arrested individuals were Veer Lachit Sena members. Police recovered ransom notes signed by prominent leader Bikash Axom. Four weeks earlier, Bikash Axom had been questioned after unrest outside the residence of late singer Zubeen Garg's manager. During a press conference against police statements, Chief Secretary Paniphukan and two others were arrested. The Chief Minister accused the outfit of widespread extortion, saying Assam would not be held hostage by groups acting outside the law. He directed police to firmly clamp down on the organisation.
Past Alignment With Government Activities
Earlier this year, the Veer Lachit Sena actively participated in demolition drives evicting alleged encroachers from forest lands. The Sarma government described this as stemming demographic invasion by Bengali-origin Muslims. When asked if the campaign had his patronage, Sarma said it had to happen with his support. Before his detention, Paniphukan mentioned how the Sena assisted during evictions and received CM praise. Last year, the outfit targeted non-Assamese business owners in Sivasagar following a teenaged girl's assault. A BJP leader filed a complaint against Sena leader Shrinkhal Chaliha for statements against Marwari, Bhojpuri, and Bengali communities but withdrew it after threats. Chaliha was arrested in December 2019 during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Source: Link