Tension prevailed in parts of Assam’s Kokrajhar district after a man was killed and four others were seriously injured in a mob attack triggered by suspicion of cattle theft, police said on Tuesday.

According to officials, the victims were associated with a road construction project and were returning from a site inspection in a vehicle late on Monday night.

Police said that when the vehicle reached the Gouri Nagar–Mashing Road stretch, a group of local villagers allegedly tried to stop it, suspecting the occupants to be cattle lifters. During the incident, the vehicle met with an accident, following which the mob allegedly assaulted the occupants and set the vehicle on fire.

Victims rushed to hospital, one dies of injuries

Police and personnel from the fire and emergency services rushed to the spot after receiving information from local residents. The injured were shifted to hospital for treatment.

One of the victims, identified as Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit, also known as Raja, succumbed to his injuries. Four others — Prabhat Brahma, Jubiraj Brahma, Sunil Murmu, and Mahesh Murmu — sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment at Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital.

Protests, security deployment in Kokrajhar

The incident led to unrest in parts of the district, with security forces deployed in the area to prevent further escalation and restore normalcy.

On Tuesday, local residents staged protests outside a police outpost and blocked a key highway, demanding justice for the victim and swift action against those involved in the attack.

Police confirmed that 19 people have been arrested so far in connection with the incident, and further investigation is underway.

Karnataka Director General of Police (Civil Rights Enforcement) K Ramachandra Rao has been suspended following the circulation of multiple videos on social media purportedly showing him in compromising positions with women. The videos, which remain unverified, reportedly depict Rao in what appears to be his office, and some audio clips allegedly feature him speaking to women in an inappropriate manner.

Suspension order cites unbecoming conduct

The official suspension order stated that Rao’s actions were “obscene” and “unbecoming of a government servant,” causing embarrassment to the state government. It added that the government is “prima facie satisfied that it is necessary to place Dr K. Ramachandra Rao under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry.”

During his suspension, Rao is not permitted to leave the headquarters without written permission from the state government.

Rao rejects allegations

Rao, a 1993 batch IPS officer, has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “fabricated and false.” Speaking to reporters, he said, “I am shocked. It is all fabricated and a lie. The video is all false. I have no idea about it.”

He added that he was unsure how or when the videos surfaced, stating, “In this era, anything can happen. I have no idea about it.” Rao also referred to old videos, saying they could date back eight years when he was posted in Belagavi.

Political reactions

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said disciplinary action will follow if Rao is found guilty. “We will initiate disciplinary action against him. No one is above the law, notwithstanding how senior the police officer is,” the CM said.

Senior BJP leader S Suresh Kumar described the incident as a “disgraceful act” and “an inexcusable crime,” asserting that it has tarnished the image of the police department.

Rao’s troubled past

Rao has previously faced allegations related to assisting his stepdaughter, actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested for gold smuggling last year. He was accused of helping her bypass customs and police checks using official protocols. After being placed on compulsory leave in March, Rao was reinstated following an investigation and later appointed as the DGP for the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement in August.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, has firmly denied allegations that she made objectionable or disrespectful remarks about Sikh Gurus, stating that she has never done so inside the House or at any point in her life.

In a detailed reply submitted on Monday to the Privileges Committee of the Delhi Assembly, Atishi rejected the charge of breach of privilege and contempt, describing the notice issued to her as vague and baseless. She said she was being asked to respond to allegations that were neither clearly defined nor supported by specific details.

Addressing the Delhi Assembly Secretary, Atishi clarified that she never used the word “Guru” during the Assembly proceedings cited in the notice. Referring to the January 15, 2026 communication, which mentions an alleged statement made on January 6, she asserted that there was no reference, mention, or allusion to Sikh Gurus during her speech or conduct on that day.

“I state with complete sincerity that I have never made any derogatory comment against Sikh Gurus in the Assembly or anywhere in my life,” she said, categorically rejecting the accusations.

Context of the January 6 proceedings

Explaining the events of January 6, Atishi said the House witnessed a heated political exchange during the discussion on the Lieutenant Governor’s address, when Minister Ravindra Indraj Singh was moving the motion of thanks. Opposition MLAs, she said, were raising slogans and demanding a discussion on pollution before the LG’s address. She maintained that the debate, though noisy, had no reference whatsoever to Sikh Gurus.

Atishi also highlighted her personal reverence for Sikh traditions, saying that respect for Sikh Gurus is deeply ingrained in her family’s values. She referred to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a symbol of sacrifice and human dignity, adding that she could never morally or ethically make disrespectful remarks about Sikh Gurus.

Seeks documents to respond fully

The AAP leader further stated that she never received any communication from the Speaker asking her to appear and clarify her position, contrary to what was mentioned in the notice. She pointed out that the allegations rely on broad phrases such as “disruption of proceedings” and “disturbance in the House” without specifying her exact words or actions.

Calling this a violation of the principles of natural justice, Atishi said the lack of particulars placed her in an impossible position. To submit a comprehensive and factual response, she has requested a copy of the complaint against her, the complete unedited and certified video recording of the January 6 Assembly proceedings, and any written communication from the Speaker seeking her explanation.

She said she would provide further clarification to the Privileges Committee after receiving these documents.