Gauhati HC schools Assam govt over allotment of 3,000 bighas of tribal land to private firm
Asks, "Are you giving an entire district? Is this a joke?"
Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has strongly criticised the Assam government’s decision to allot nearly 3,000 bighas of tribal land in Dima Hasao district to a private cement company, Mahabal Cements, for mining operations. The court emphasised that public interest should take precedence over private gains.
During a recent hearing, Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi expressed astonishment at the land allocation, saying, “3,000 bighas! The entire district? What is going on? A private company being given 3,000 bighas? We know how barren the land is, but 3,000 bighas? What kind of decision is this? Is this some kind of joke? Public interest, not private interest, is what matters.”
The observations came after arguments presented on behalf of the company, which claimed that the land was barren and essential for operating its cement plant.
The allotment has drawn criticism from opposition parties and local groups. Earlier, a Congress delegation, led by then state unit president Bhupen Kumar Borah and current Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, met the Governor to raise concerns on behalf of indigenous communities from Borolokhindong, Tharvelangso, and nearby villages.
In a memorandum, the Congress alleged that the government was preparing to hand over nearly 9,000 bighas in Dima Hasao to corporate interests with close links to the ruling BJP, disregarding the rights and sentiments of tribal communities. “This is not just a land issue. It’s about survival and safeguarding the identity of Dima Hasao’s indigenous people,” the memorandum stated.
Reacting to the court’s comments, Assam Congress accused the BJP government of “blatant crony capitalism,” highlighting the alleged favouritism shown to private corporations. In a post on X, the party said, “Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma handed over 3,000 bighas (81 million sq ft) of tribal land to Adani for a cement factory. The BJP government’s actions shamelessly hand over the country’s resources to corporate allies, while the poor are left to struggle.”
The Adani Group on Monday, however, dismissed reports that it has been allotted land by the Assam government for a cement plant in the state, terming them baseless, false, and misleading.
"It has come to our notice that certain news reports, social media posts and clips from court hearings are being circulated, claiming that the Assam government has allotted 3,000 bighas in Dima Hasao to the Adani Group for a cement plant,” the Adani Group spokesperson said.
"We categorically state that these reports and references are baseless, false and misleading. Linking the Adani name to Mahabal Cement is mischievous. Mahabal Cement is not related to, owned by or connected with the Adani Group in any manner whatsoever," the spokesperson clarified according to IANS.
This will blow your mind 🤯🔥
— Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) August 17, 2025
Assam BJP Govt gave 3,000 bigha (81 million sqft) to Adani to build a cement factory 🤯
Even the HC Judge got shocked — “Is this a joke? Are you giving an entire district?”
Himanta needs to go to jail, his end is coming 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8WgifsLItO
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Man arrested for for raping mute woman in Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur (PTI): One person was arrested on the charge of raping a 30-year-old woman with speech impairment in Jamshedpur, a police officer said on Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the Azadnagar police station area of the city, and a case in this regard was registered based on the statement of the victim's brother on Monday.
The victim had gone to fetch water from the premises of a company on Monday evening. When she did not return even after a considerable time, family members went out in search of her and caught the accused red-handed, police said.
ALSO READ: BJP accuses Karnataka govt of 'failing' to prevent noise pollution caused by 'azaan'
The accused was a caretaker of the company.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Patamda) Bachandeo Kujjur said due to scarcity of water in the area, the victim used to fetch water from the premises of the company.
