Assam: Social worker critically injured, mother-in-law killed at Rupai Tea Estate
Guwahati: Rashmi Karmakar (21), a young woman social worker from the rural belts of Upper Assam’s Tinsukia district, has been battling for life at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), Dibrugarh, after a brutal attack on Monday night.
Police confirmed her condition on Wednesday evening, saying she continues to receive critical care.
The incident occurred at Line No. 14 of Rupai Tea Estate under Baghjan police station, about 24 kilometres from Tinsukia headquarters.
Rashmi, along with her mother-in-law, Sheela Nanda (48), was attacked with a sharp weapon by a local resident identified as Narottam Bhumij.
“I am struggling between life and death now… not in a condition to speak. My mother-in-law and I are so injured… we want justice,” Rashmi whispered from her hospital bed earlier.
Rashmi serves as the publicity secretary of the All Adivasi Women Power Association (AAWPA) and has been known for leading awareness campaigns against social evils in tea garden areas.
According to Irot Tanti, president of the All Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA), Doomdooma, “Rashmi is a brave social worker who stood up against immoral practices like cockfighting, illicit liquor trade, and drug abuse in remote corners of Tinsukia. Her fearless efforts may have angered anti-social elements.”
He further added, “This problem is not confined to tea gardens. It affects both rural and urban Assam. Regular awareness drives and strong enforcement by excise and police departments are essential to stop the illegal flow of liquor into these areas.”
Sheela Nanda succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday. Her cremation took place on Wednesday evening amid tight police security and the presence of hundreds of mourners.
In the aftermath of the attack, enraged residents of Rupai Tea Estate set several houses and a shop ablaze and vandalised an e-rickshaw, demanding that the accused be handed over to them.
Police swiftly intervened to prevent further escalation.
Baghjan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sanjib Phul Konwar told Northeast Now, “Two accused, Narottam Bhumij and Anil Bhagat alias Bakshi, have been arrested. The situation is now under control, and police patrolling continues.”
Sub-Inspector Dharmendra Deka, the investigating officer, said, “Both accused were presented before the court today. We’ve sought police remand for further interrogation. More arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.”
A case has been registered as No. 22/2025 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It includes Section 61(2) for grievous hurt caused with a dangerous weapon or means, Section 329(4) for attempt to murder, Section 118(2) for causing public disorder or incitement to violence, Section 109 for abetment of an offence, and Section 103(1) for murder.
Women gathered at Sheela Nanda’s cremation ground voiced deep concern. “We feel unsafe. We urge the Doomdooma civil administration, Tinsukia police headquarters, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to ensure strict law and order in Rupai, Diyamuli, and Baghjan areas,” said one of them.
They further appealed, “The government must ensure protection for social workers, curb illicit liquor supply, and maintain night patrolling, especially when children travel to and from school. Rashmi deserves the best medical care available.”
As the district mourns, Rupai Tea Estate remains under high alert, with security forces deployed to prevent further violence.
The incident highlights ongoing risks faced by grassroots social activists in Assam’s tea garden belts.