Gorlosa’s Syndicate Empire Fuels Fear, Inflation in Dima Hasao

Debolal Gorlosa, once known as a rebel leader who fought for the rights of the Dimasa people, now finds himself at the centre of serious allegations involving widespread syndicate operations in Assam’s Dima Hasao district.

Now a key executive figure in the region, Gorlosa is accused of running an underground network that has monopolised trade in essential commodities, fueling inflation, economic hardship, and fear among the local populace. Locals allege that under his leadership, prices of everyday goods like vegetables, sand, coal, and poultry have skyrocketed, with every major commodity now reportedly falling under the control of syndicate-linked groups.

One resident told reporters, “From vegetables to sand and coal, everything is under a syndicate now. The broiler chicken syndicate has been given to Pranam Halflongbar, the potato and onion supply is controlled by Sanjay Ardo and Prabin Hagjir, and the supari (betel nut) syndicate is handled by Pujuj Thaosen.”

Even municipal-level operations such as vehicle parking collections and water supply management are allegedly under syndicate control, managed by Garlosa’s close aides. Names mentioned by locals include Alvin Hojai, who allegedly controls revenue from water supply and road-related works, and Garlosa’s personal assistant Banjit Sanyung, who reportedly oversees forest resource exploitation.

The most alarming allegations involve Alex Langthsa, a close confidant of Garlosa, who is said to be managing the illegal coal trade and other underground operations. Locals claim that Garlosa and his network are amassing massive wealth through this syndicate empire, while ordinary citizens suffer under rampant price inflation and economic suppression.

The atmosphere of fear extends beyond pricing. In a chilling incident, a local resident claimed that a person close to Garlosa once opened fire on the public using his personal security officer’s firearm, yet no FIR has been registered despite repeated complaints to the police.

Another allegation involves the kidnapping of traders who refused to purchase goods through the syndicate channels. “If a businessman doesn’t buy from their network, they’re threatened or taken away. This is not trade—it’s extortion,” said a local trader.

An incident from a few years ago has resurfaced in public memory: a chicken vendor was reportedly abducted from his shop, just opposite Haflong police station, and taken to Garlosa’s guesthouse. “When he returned, he said he was threatened not to continue business unless he sourced his supplies from the syndicate,” a local source recounted.

Particular concern has emerged over the Umrangso coal syndicate, which residents claim is being run with complete impunity. Despite FIRs being submitted by concerned citizens, police have allegedly refused to register cases or take action, further fueling suspicions of political protection and administrative silence.

What began as a revolutionary struggle for tribal empowerment, locals say, has morphed into a machinery of intimidation and financial exploitation. As the prices of essentials soar and fear grips Haflong and surrounding areas, public pressure is mounting for a high-level independent inquiry into the alleged syndicate nexus.

So far, there has been no official response from the authorities on the mounting allegations against Debolal Gorlosa and his associates.

Also Read: Umrangso Mine Tragedy: Committee Alleges CEM Debolal Gorlosa Linked to Illegal Mining