Alleged Encroachment on Land Meant for Indigenous Institutions Triggers Row in Kokrajhar

KOKRAJHAR, August 2, 2026 — A fresh controversy over alleged land encroachment has surfaced in Kokrajhar after several tribal organisations accused alleged land mafia Sanjan Pal of illegally occupying government land earmarked for indigenous religious institutions, including the Kokrajhar District Brahma Dharma Samity and Bathou Dharma Samity, at Patharghat on the bank of the Gaurang River.

According to the organisations, the disputed government land is located adjacent to the Kokrajhar District Tribal Sangha office and had been allotted for the proposed Brahma Dharma and Bathou Dharma institutions. They alleged that a tin-sheet boundary fence was erected at the site late on Saturday night despite existing court orders and official instructions. The organisations also claimed that banners of the Brahma Dharma and Bathou Dharma institutions were removed and thrown away by the alleged miscreants.

The land was previously under the Water Resources Department and was later used as an Army camp before being earmarked by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) for the Tribal Sangha and the proposed indigenous religious institutions.

The controversy follows an earlier police raid at the residence of Sanjan Pal in Patharghat after an FIR was lodged by the Tribal Sangha. During the raid, Kokrajhar Police reportedly recovered iron grills and tin sheets allegedly stolen from the under-construction Tribal Rest House-cum-office and the proposed Brahma Dharma complex.

The organisations described the alleged encroachment as an attack on institutions representing the indigenous tribal communities of the region and expressed concern over what they called repeated attempts to occupy government land meant for community welfare and religious activities.

Condemning the latest incident, the tribal bodies demanded immediate intervention by the BTC and the district administration to protect the disputed government land, remove the alleged illegal construction, and ensure strict legal action against those found responsible.

No official response from Sanjan Pal or the district administration was immediately available at the time of filing this report.

The incident has once again brought renewed attention to the issue of protecting government land and safeguarding institutions representing indigenous tribal communities in the Sixth Schedule areas under the Bodoland Territorial Council.