Eviction in Goalpara Sparks Suicide Attempt, Locals Decry Govt Apathy

Tensions ran high at an eviction site in Assam's Asudubi Bidyapara Village in Goalpara district after a man, identified as Faizul Haque, allegedly attempted suicide following the demolition of his house by the administration.

According to eyewitnesses, the distressing incident unfolded when the local administration began a fresh round of evictions in the area. Overwhelmed by grief and despair as his house was razed, Faizul Haque reportedly took an extreme step in protest.

He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Medical sources confirmed that he is currently undergoing treatment and remains in a serious state.

Speaking to reporters at the site, a local resident recounted the harrowing moment when Faizul Haque allegedly attempted suicide in despair after watching his home being demolished by authorities.

“Faizul was shattered when he saw his house being dismantled,” the resident said. “In a moment of desperation, he tried to end his life. A woman nearby noticed his actions and alerted us. We rushed to stop him, but the police held us back. Shockingly, they didn’t intervene either.”

The resident strongly condemned the inaction of the police and government. “If anything happens to Faizul Haque, the authorities must be held responsible. The eviction is being carried out unlawfully, and there’s been no compassion or accountability.”

The resident further claimed that this is not an isolated incident. “Earlier, one person died by suicide after the eviction notice was issued. Another died from a heart attack, allegedly due to stress related to the same issue. And today, Faizul attempted suicide. How many more lives will it take for the administration to listen?”

The affected families live in Asudubi Bidyapara Village, which, according to locals, does not fall within the boundaries of the Paikan Reserve Forest, the reason cited for the eviction. “We’ve repeatedly demanded a joint survey of the forest boundary,” the resident added. “But neither the Deputy Commissioner, forest officials, nor the land surveyor (mandal) has conducted any verification on the ground. They’re trying to erase our village from Assam’s map.”

The locals also claimed they have repeatedly asked for a copy of the High Court order under which the eviction is being carried out, but no such document has been shared with them so far.

Local residents expressed anguish over the incident, accusing the administration of carrying out the eviction drive without adequate rehabilitation measures or sensitivity towards affected families. No official statement has yet been released by the district administration regarding the attempted suicide.

AIUDF member Rafiqul Islam criticised the ongoing eviction drive, stating, “Two people have already lost their lives because of this eviction. We cannot allow more tragedies to unfold.”

He further alleged that the government has justified the eviction by claiming it is for creating banana plantations to benefit elephants. “But what about the people? Their lives are being destroyed for this so-called plantation plan,” he said.

He added, “The people here have NRC documents and have been living in this area for many years. Where are they supposed to go now?”

The leader also expressed frustration over being denied access to the affected area. “I, along with other AIUDF members, came here to check whether the displaced families have been provided with shelter, food, and basic necessities. But the police had stationed female officers at the gate to block entry. They’re not allowing anyone in to see the ground reality.”

The incident has sparked fresh debate over the humanitarian costs of eviction operations in the state.

Also Read: “Where Will We Go?”: Locals Plead Ahead of Goalpara Eviction