Digboi: In a swift official response to the mob lynching incident at Digboi Charali Market, the Assam Government has sanctioned an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakhs to the family of late Bodheshwar Garh, who was allegedly lynched on the 12th of this month over suspicion of fish theft.
Digboi BJP legislator Suren Phukan handed over the relief cheque to his wife on Friday.
The incident, reportedly sparked by rumour, escalated into a brutal act of vigilante violence, sending shockwaves across Tinsukia district and once again putting the spotlight on the dangers of mob justice.
Law enforcement agencies, meanwhile, moved to tighten the screws. According to official sources, six persons accused in the lynching have been arrested and are being prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Local BJP legislator Suren Phukan stepped in soon after the incident, taking up the matter with the Digboi Co-District Administration and the Tinsukia District Administration and urging that the guilty be brought to book without delay. He also raised the issue with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, including during the Assembly session, pressing for both justice and immediate relief for the bereaved family.
“Such incidents have no place in a civilised society. The guilty must face the law, and the victim’s family should not be left to fend for themselves,” Phukan said.
Within eight days of the tragedy, the Government cleared the ex gratia of Rs 5 lakhs in the name of the victim’s wife, cutting through procedural delays in what many described as a time-bound response. Even before the official sanction came through, the legislator had extended Rs 60,000 as immediate assistance to help the family weather the sudden financial storm following the loss of its sole breadwinner.
Bogapani GP President Philip Kandulna, who liaised between the bereaved family members and the local MLA stated that the swift approval of Rs 5 lakhs within barely over a week was made possible due to continuous follow-up and proactive initiative at the local level.
He maintained that without such sustained engagement, the relief process might have taken considerably longer, adding that timely coordination and follow-up by local MLA Suren Phukan had brought about the hope swiftly.
helped ensure that assistance reached the grieving family without unnecessary delay.
Kandulna also lauded the prompt intervention and follow-up by local MLA Suren Phukan, noting that his swift action played a key role in expediting the government response.