Dibrugarh Will Be Assams Second Capital: Himanta Biswa Sarma
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, July 25: In a major push towards decentralised governance and improved administrative connectivity for Upper Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday laid the foundation stone for a new Ministers Office, a convention centre, and office buildings for the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary in Dibrugarh. According to an official []
May declare drought if rainfall deficit persists: Himanta Biswa Sarma
HT Correspondent DIBRUGARH, July 25: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday stated that the state government will be compelled to officially declare a drought if the current rainfall deficit does not improve in the coming days. Addressing reporters on the sidelines of an event in Dibrugarh, the Chief Minister informed that the situation is []
Assam CM lays foundation for Rs 65-cr administrative Hub in Dibrugarh
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma initiated a project in Dibrugarh. He laid the foundation for a Ministers Office, convention centre, and offices for key officials. This Rs 65 crore project aims to develop Dibrugarh as Assam's second capital. The new infrastructure will improve administrative outreach in Upper Assam.
CM unveils projects worth over 500 crore in Dibrugarh
HT Correspondent DIBRUGARH, July 24: In a significant push to strengthen medical education and academic infrastructure in Upper Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday laid the foundation stones for major infrastructure projects at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) and Dibrugarh University. According to an official statement, a 357 crore project has been []
Naharkatia to see Rs 130-crore boost in infrastructure
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, July 24: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday laid the foundation stones for several major infrastructure projects in Naharkatia, Dibrugarh district, signalling a substantial public investment worth approximately 130 crore across education, sports, transport, administration, and skill development sectors. According to an official statement, the initiative includes the construction of a []
Muslim population in Assam will be almost equal to Hindus by 2041: Himanta
DIBRUGARH, July 23: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday claimed that the population of Muslims in Assam will be almost equal to that of the Hindus by 2041 if the current growth rate is maintained. Addressing a press conference after a cabinet meeting here, Sarma claimed that out of around 34 per cent Muslims []
Dibrugarh imposes ban on drone use ban during CMs four-day visit
Dibrugarh admin clears roads of unattended sand, bricks
Dibrugarh NGO urges CM to address recurring waterlogging issues
DMC removes illegal tobacco ads from public places across Dibrugarh
Aasu protests in Dibrugarh over drought-like crisis, demands govt action
DMC accelerates DTP drain cleanup to prevent urban floods in Dibrugarh
Dibrugarh University BEd CET result 2025 declared at dibru.ac.in, check steps to download and more
Dibrugarh University announced the B.Ed Common Entrance Test (CET) 2025 results on July 18, 2025. Candidates can access their scorecards on the university's official website using their roll number and application number. Those scoring 30.00 or above are eligible for admission into the NCTE-recognized B.Ed Programme for the 2025-26 session.
Dibrugarh University has released the results for the 2nd, 4th, and 6th semester exams for UG and PG courses for the 2024-25 academic year. Students can now access their marksheets in PDF format on the university's official website. The university also provides options for re-evaluation or re-scrutiny for students who are not satisfied with their results.
Dibrugarh University Junior Research Fellowship Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline
TheDibrugarh University has released an official notification for the recruitment of 01 Junior Research Fellowship posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official Dibrugarh University website. The last date to submit the application form is 25-07-2025.
Guwahati named cleanest capital city in NE: CM
GUWAHATI/ NEW DELHI July 17: Guwahati has emerged as the cleanest capital of the northeast in the Swachh Survekshan rankings, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday. Sarma also said that all four AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) cities in the state Guwahati, Silchar, Nagaon and Dibrugarh are now []
Dibrugarh researcher gains global acclaim for work on AI-powered breast cancer detection system
NIA arrests two more in Guwahati IED case on Independence Day 2024
The NIA has apprehended Bhargob Gogoi and Sumu Gogoi, both from Dibrugarh, for their involvement in the ULFA-I's plot to detonate IEDs across Assam, including the Dispur Last Gate blast on Independence Day 2024. These arrests bring the total number of individuals in custody to three, as the investigation into the conspiracy widens.
Dibrugarh University Result 2025: Dibrugarh University Result 2025 has been released on dibru.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your B.A and B.Sc 2nd and 4th Semester Results Online.
Hydrocarbons found in Dibrugarh: CM
GUWAHATI, July 16: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said Oil India Limited (OIL) has discovered hydrocarbons in Namrup Borhat-1 well in Dibrugarh district, in which the state government has a significant stake. He described the discovery as a major step forward in energy security and economic resilience. In a post on X, Sarma []
Hydrocarbons found in Assam's Dibrugarh: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam achieves a milestone in energy security. The state government is now a direct oil producer. Oil India Limited discovered hydrocarbons in Namrup Borhat-1 well. The government holds a significant stake. Hydrocarbon presence is established in Kobochapori. Further studies are underway to assess commercial viability. Additional seismic surveys and drilling are planned. This ensures energy availability for the country.
DMC and Tinsukia NFR partner to better waste management at 12 Dibrugarh rail colonies
Dibrugarh University Result 2025: Dibrugarh University Result 2025 has been released on dibru.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your B.Com Fourth Semester Results Online.
AI Revenge Porn Shocker: Dibrugarh Police Arrest Man For Morphing Ex-Classmate's Photos
Once unknown outside her community, the victim suddenly found herself at the centre of a storm on social media platforms, where she was portrayed as a budding pornographic figure.
Assam woman defamed with AI-generated porn after fake link to adult film industry; engineer arrested
DIBRUGARH: A person has been arrested in Assam's Tinsukia district for allegedly morphing photographs and creating AI-generated pornographic videos of a woman and circulating those on social media, a senior police officer said on Sunday. Dibrugarh Senior Superintendent of Police (in-charge) Sizal Agarwal said a complaint was received from the victim on Saturday stating that morphed images and videos were being used to defame her. The victim had been in the spotlight for the last few weeks after her purported image with an adult film actor surfaced, with claims that the Assam woman has joined the adult film industry in the US. We received a complaint yesterday that the morphed and AI-generated photos and videos of the victim were being circulated on social media. The reference of an Instagram page was included with it, and when we searched for credentials of the page owner, we found a phone number which we traced to the accused, Agarwal said. The accused had used the image of the victim to generate several obscene content and pornographic materials using AI software. They have a past acquaintance, and he did it due to personal reasons, he added. The accused, a mechanical engineer by qualification, was arrested from Tinsukia on Saturday night, the SSP (in-charge) said. Agarwal said the crime, which initially started as a harassment tactic, continued when the accused began monetising the content. There was a subscription link to the adult content that he had posted, and people had to pay to access it. He earned about Rs 10 lakh through it. He kept on continuing the crime as he got greedy, though he had initiated it for harassing the woman, she said. The officer said multiple agencies will be involved in the investigation as digital evidence has to be examined, with the police seizing laptop, mobile phones, hard disk and other items from the accused. Agarwal also urged people to be careful while accessing online content and, have a closer look before circulating any information they receive on social media.
Dibrugarh streamlines parking with fixed rates, receipts, IDs
Dibrugarh University Result 2025 Released at dibru.ac.in Direct Link to Download 4th Semester Result
Dibrugarh University Result 2025: Dibrugarh University Result 2025 has been released on dibru.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your BCA 4th Semester Results Online.
Dibrugarh University Result 2025 Released at dibru.ac.in Direct Link to Download 2nd Semester Result
Dibrugarh University Result 2025: Dibrugarh University Result 2025 has been released on dibru.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your B.Sc 2nd Semester Results Online.
Dibrugarh University Result 2025: Dibrugarh University Result 2025 has been released on dibru.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your B.A, B.Pharm, B.Ed and M.Tech 4th, 8th and Final Semester Results Online.
Dibrugarh University Result 2025: Dibrugarh University Result 2025 has been released on dibru.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your BA, B.Ed, B.Sc and B.B.A 2nd, 4th and 6th Semester Results Online.
Central Govt Targets 50,000 Maritime Jobs For Northeast Youth In Next 10 Years
Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silghat, Biswanath to get lighthouses doubling as weather centres and tourist spots
Dibrugarh University Assistant Professor Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 01 Posts
Dibrugarh University Recruitment 2025 for 01 posts of Assistant Professor. Candidates with M.Com, MBA/PGDM, M.Phil/Ph.D Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in on 10-07-2025. For detailed information please visit Dibrugarh University official website, dibru.ac.in.
Dibrugarh University Assistant Registrar Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline
TheDibrugarh University has released an official notification for the recruitment of 02 Assistant Registrar posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official Dibrugarh University website. The last date to submit the application form is 14-07-2025.
Dibrugarh University Principal Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline
TheDibrugarh University has released an official notification for the recruitment of Principal posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official Dibrugarh University website. The last date to submit the application form is 15-07-2025.
Dibrugarh University Assistant Professor Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 03 Posts
Dibrugarh University Recruitment 2025 for 03 posts of Assistant Professor. Candidates with LLM Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in interview on on 17-07-2025. For detailed information please visit Dibrugarh University official website, dibru.ac.in.
Dibrugarh University Result 2025: Dibrugarh University Result 2025 has been released on dibru.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your B.Com and LLB 3rd and 4th Semester Results Online.
Dibrugarh Transport Department Cracks Down on Traffic Violations in Special Drive
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JULY 3: As part of a concerted drive to implement road safety and compliance with regulations, Assams Dibrugarh District Transport Office (DTO) conducted a special drive on Wednesday. The drive, spearheaded by District Transport Officer Hirak Jyoti Deka, focused on a broad array of violative acts, such as vehicles in operation without []
J&K-Born IAS Officer Jay Vikas Takes Over As First Commissioner Of DMC In Assam
JAMMU, Jul 2: Jay Vikas, an IAS officer from Jammu and Kashmir, has been appointed as the first Commissioner of the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC) in Assam. A 2021 batch IAS officer, Jay Vikas, who took the charge on June 9, was earlier serving as Co-District Commissioner of North Salmara. As per an Assam Government order, he will also hold the additional post of Deputy Secretary in the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, Assam. The posting followed Chief Minister [] The post J&K-Born IAS Officer Jay Vikas Takes Over As First Commissioner Of DMC In Assam appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
ELF big step forward towards national security: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, June 29: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday visited Jatiyani Village in Moran to inspect the ongoing construction of the Northeasts first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on a national highway. The ELF is being developed on a 4.2-km stretch of the Moran Bypass under the DibrugarhMoran NH-2 project in coordination with []
128-year-old mosque demolished in Dibrugarh
Authorities have demolished a 128-year-old mosque in Assam's Dibrugarh to construct a drainage system for solving the waterlogging problem in the town, officials said on Thursday.
128-year-old mosque demolished for drainage project in Dibrugarh
DIBRUGARH, June 26: Authorities have demolished a 128-year-old mosque in Assams Dibrugarh to construct a drainage system for solving the waterlogging problem in the town, officials said on Thursday. The Chaulkhowa Jama Masjid was demolished following all legal formalities and with cooperation from the locals, Dibrugarh Municipal Board Commissioner Jay Vikas said. Vikas said the []
Dibrugarh University Result 2025: Dibrugarh University Result 2025 has been released on dibru.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your BBA. LL.B, B.C.A, TDC and M.A Even and Odd Semester Results Online.
Guwahati Diary | Solar fence to mitigate human-elephant conflict
In a bid to mitigate human-elephant conflict and facilitate co-existence, biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak has installed a 30.1-km solar fence covering three project villages in Jorhat district in collaboration with the British Asian Trust and the Elephant Family with support from the Darwin Initiative. The project has benefitted over 1,047 households affected by human-elephant conflict. There was a time when herds of wild elephants would wreak havoc in these villages while foraging for crops, causing immense hardship to the agrarian community. However, the installation of these solar-powered fences helped significantly ease the problem. 15K bighas of satra land encroached upon: CM The satras monastic institutions within Assams neo-Vaishnavite tradition have lost over 15,000 bighas of their land to encroachment. Taking a serious view of it, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that an area twice the size of Dispur had been encroached upon. The sheer scale of encroachment of the satras is a direct assault on Assams culture and identity. Not anymore. We are dealing firmly with this, he posted on X. The Satra Aayog, constituted by the government for reviewing and assessing the problems of satra land in Assam, has submitted its final report to Sarma with its recommendations. IED case: ULFA chief, 2 others chargesheeted The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah and two other members of the banned insurgent group Abhijit Gogoi and Jahnu Boruah for a conspiracy to carry out multiple IED blasts in Assam on Independence Day last year. During the probe, the NIA found that as many as 11 IEDs were planted in different parts of the state, including Guwahati. However, none of them exploded. The investigation agency says the plot was meant to cause deaths and unrest. Boruah, who has reportedly admitted to planting four of the IEDs, was arrested from Dibrugarh in December. Prasanta Mazumdar Our correspondent in Guwahati prasantamazumdar@newindianexpress.com
Heatwave Breaks June Temperature Record In 2 Northeast Cities
The northeast region is witnessing a severe heatwave, with the cities of Itanagar and Dibrugarh breaking their June temperature records on Thursday.
Punjab Police ask Tinder for details on profile linked to radical preacher Amritpal Singh
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police has sought information from dating app Tinder about an account suspected to be linked with radical preacher and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, who has been booked in the murder of a Sikh activist. In a communication to Tinder, the Faridkot police said it was probing the murder case of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau, who was shot dead on October 9 last year while returning home from the village Gurdwara on his motorcycle. Nau was a member of the radical outfit 'Waris Punjab De' headed by Amritpal Singh. Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, in October last year, claimed that Nau was killed allegedly at the behest of Amritpal Singh, who is currently jailed under the stringent National Security Act. Police also claimed that gangster-turned-terrorist Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dalla, was the mastermind behind the killing. It said two shooters of the gang have been arrested in the case, registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. In the communication dated May 26 and accessed by PTI on Saturday, police wrote, This is to inform you that the Punjab Police, India, is currently investigating a murder case registered under FIR No. 159 dated 10-10-2024 under Sections 103(1), 126(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 along with relevant provisions of the Arms Act. 1959, at Police Station Sadar Kotkapura, District Faridkot, Punjab, India. On 09-10-2024, Gurpreet Singh, a well-known online activist, was shot dead by two assailants on a motorcycle. The deceased managed a Facebook page 'Hari Nau Talks' and had been outspoken against the Sikh radical Amritpal Singh. Shooters have been apprehended and are under investigation. the police wrote. During the course of investigation, a Tinder account under the name 'Amrit Sandhu' (screenshot attached) was identified, and the account is suspected to be linked with Amritpal Singh, accused in the said FIR. The communication and analysis of data might provide evidence to the Investigating Agency relevant to the FIR, they added. Police have sought from Tinder the subscriber details, name, date of birth, phone number, location information, and IP address logs since January 1, 2019, of the account. It also sought information on all linked e-mail IDs and phone numbers, photographs and media files uploaded by the account, friends/contacts list and mutual matches, chat history and messages exchanged via the Tinder platform and any other detail. Amritpal Singh, an MP from the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency in Punjab, is currently lodged in Assam's Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act (NSA). Amritpal, who heads the 'Waris Punjab De' outfit and has styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was jailed along with nine of his associates under the NSA.
Assam flood situation improves further, 4.43 lakh still affected
GUWAHATI: The flood situation in Assam improved further on Friday following a decline in the rains. No death was reported in the state during the past 24 hours but one person was reported missing. Manipur reported three deaths which took the Northeast flood and landslide toll to 53. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), 4,43,560 people across 18 districts are still affected by the floods in Assam. Over 40,000 of them were taking shelter in relief camps. Cropland remained affected in areas of 16,558.59 hectares. The affected districts were Cachar, Nagaon, Sribhumi, Hailakandi, Kamrup, Hojai, Dibrugarh, Bongaigaon, Morigaon, Darrang, Golaghat, Dhemaji, Goalpara, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Lakhimpur, Jorhat and Kamrup (Metro). The Brahmaputra and four other rivers were flowing above the danger level in some places, the ASDMA said. A flood report issued by the Manipur government said 1,65,936 people remained affected in the state. Altogether 35,385 houses were damaged by the floods and landslides. The state recorded altogether 160 incidents of landslides. As the rains have now subsided, Meitei organisation Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity urged the state government to provide compensation to the victims after conducting a comprehensive field survey. Several areas of the Imphal Valley have remained inundated. The organisation stressed on pumping out the water. The flood situation also improved in Arunachal Pradesh. A government statement said 33,200 people remained affected in 215 villages of 24 districts. The authorities set up three relief camps where 239 displaced people were lodged. Changlang in eastern Arunachal is one of the worst-hit districts. Meanwhile, all the stranded tourists were reportedly evacuated from Chaten in North Sikkim which was badly hit by landslides. Mizoram was ravaged by around 700 landslides and rains which damaged water pipelines at many places. Foreseeing a crisis of water, the state government advised citizens to harvest rainwater.
Teesta Rivers water level significantly rises due to heavy rain in Sikkim; Brahmaputra river overflows, floods low-lying areas in Assams Dibrugarh
Heavy rain continues to batter Assam, disrupting train services and road transport
GUWAHATI: Relentless rainfall continued to lash Assam on Sunday, severely disrupting road and rail transport across the northeastern state. According to officials, at least eight people have died so far due to floods and landslides. More than 78,000 residents across over 15 districts have been affected, prompting widespread concern. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has issued an 'orange bulletin' for Assam, warning of a severe flood situation as ten major rivers including the Brahmaputra and Barak are currently flowing above the danger level. A spokesperson for Northeast Frontier Railway stated that, following incessant rainfall in the past 24 hours and water overflowing onto the tracks in the BaraigramDullabcherra section, the DullabcherraSilchar passenger train has been cancelled for the day. Additionally, the DullabcherraGuwahati Express will now originate from Baraigram instead of Dullabcherra. Heavy rain causes floods in parts of Assam, five killed in landslides In Kamrup district, large portions of National Highway-17 have been inundated near Shingra Shalnibari in the Chaygaon area since Saturday. Officials noted that the situation has been worsened by heavy runoff from neighbouring Meghalaya. Authorities are taking measures to redirect traffic via alternative routes to maintain connectivity. According to the CWC bulletin, the Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger mark in Dibrugarh and Nematighat (Jorhat). Other rivers breaching danger levels include: Dhaleswari at Gharmura (Hailakandi), Rukni at Dholai (Cachar), Katakhal at Matijuri (Hailakandi), Barak at Badarpur Ghat (Sribhumi), Buridehing at Margherita (Tinsukia), Kushiyara in Sribhumi, Dhansiri at Numaligarh (Golaghat) and Kopili at Kampur (Nagaon) An Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) bulletin reported that, as of Saturday evening, five people had died in landslides and three in floods. Three western districts were placed on 'red alert' on Saturday, while eight others were under an 'orange alert', according to the Regional Meteorological Centre. Rainwater from upstream regions of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya has further exacerbated the flooding. Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and fire and emergency services, have been deployed for rescue and relief efforts. Evacuation operations are underway in the worst-affected areas. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday that the state is facing an abnormal situation due to persistent downpours triggered by a massive cloud cover across several parts of the Northeast.
Top ULFA (I) leader Rupam Asom arrested near Assam-Arunachal Border
DIBRUGARH: n a major breakthrough, a top leader of the banned militant outfit ULFA (I), Rupam Asom, has been arrested from a forested area near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, police said on Saturday. Security forces also recovered arms and ammunition from his possession during the operation, which was launched on Friday night based on specific intelligence inputs. Rupam Asom, named in the NIA charge sheet for the 2018 killing of Bordumsa Police Station officer-in-charge Bhaskar Kalita, was allegedly running ULFA (I)s extortion network across parts of eastern Assam. Rupam Asom is the key figure behind extortion activities in eastern Assam. We had credible information about his presence near the interstate border. An operation was planned, and he was apprehended, a senior police officer said. The officer added that Rupam and his group had been operating from the jungle near the Assam-Arunachal border, using the remote terrain to evade arrest while continuing their extortion activities. Following Rupam's arrest, a manhunt has been launched to track down other members of the banned organization hiding in the border areas.
India to defer world's longest river cruise via Bangladesh amid political unrest
India has decided to defer the worlds longest river cruise from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Dhaka due to political instability in Bangladesh. The cruise, which operates along the 3,200-km India-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route, has seen reduced interest from foreign tourists following adverse travel advisories after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government.
Attempt to derail 2 trains, including Rajdhani, foiled in UP
The loco pilot of a Rajdhani Express (20504) on its way to Dibrugarh in Assam from Delhi applied the emergency brake after spotting the obstruction. He removed it and informed railway officials, police said.
Train derailment attempts foiled in Uttar Pradesh; wooden blocks found on tracks
Two suspected attempts to derail trains, including the high-profile Rajdhani Express, were narrowly averted in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district, thanks to the vigilance of train drivers, PTI reported on Tuesday. According to officials, the incidents occurred on Monday evening between Dalelnagar and Umartali stations, near kilometre marker 1129/14. Unidentified individuals allegedly tied wooden blocks to the railway tracks using earthing wire, posing a serious risk to passing trains. The first obstruction was spotted by the loco pilot of the 20504 Rajdhani Express, which was en route from Delhi to Dibrugarh in Assam. Acting swiftly, the driver applied emergency brakes, brought the train to a halt, removed the obstruction, and alerted railway authorities. Shortly afterward, a similar attempt was made to derail the 15044 Kathgodam Express, which was following the Rajdhani.This incident too was thwarted. Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police are jointly investigating the matter, Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar Jadaun told PTI.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal leads Tiranga Yatra in Assam, lauds Operation Sindoor's success
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal joined Tiranga Yatras in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor. He lauded the Indian Armed Forces' valour and Prime Minister Modi's leadership in the counterterrorism mission. Sonowal emphasized India's zero-tolerance stance against terrorism and its capability to respond decisively to any threats, highlighting a New India under Modi's strong leadership.
Vivek Express is India's longest train journey, covering 4,189 km from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari in 75 hours across 9 states.
A definitive cure for snake bite
ASSAM : In 2006, Dr Surajit Giri faced a moment that would shape the rest of his career. A woman bitten by a snake was rushed into emergency ward of a private hospital in Assams Sivasagar district, where Giri had just begun working after completing his post-graduation in anaesthesiology. He was not trained in treating snakebites, so he referred her to the Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh. She died on the way. Though no one blamed him, the incident haunted him. She had two children; they were inconsolable. I was helpless, he recalls. She had respiratory problems. Being a trained ICU physician, I could have kept her on ventilation, but I didnt know what to do next. Antivenom was available, but I didnt dare to administer it. Now, nearly two decades later, hospitals across Assam are saving snakebite victims, thanks to a treatment model pioneered by Dr Giri and his team at the Demow Rural Community Health Centre in Sivasagar, where he has worked since 2008. After the womans death, Giri spent the next two years raising awareness about snakebite treatment, encouraging families to seek hospital care over traditional healers. He learned that most snakebite cases in Assam involved non-venomous snakes and that timely care could save lives. Still, until 2017, the Demow hospital had not treated a single case it lacked an ICU, and families continued to place trust in local quacks. That year, a child bitten by a snake was brought dead to the hospital. A quack attempted to revive him just outside the facility, in full view of onlookers. That incident was a turning point, he says. Giri resolved that rural hospitals needed to be equipped to treat snakebites. Dr Surajit Giri In August 2018, the Demow health centre administered antivenom to a patient for the first time. Since then, Giri and his team have developed a comprehensive model that includes community engagement, early response, hospital preparedness and a trained medical network. A Fast Response Team of healthcare workers and a Venom Response Team of community volunteers were formed. The volunteers were trained to recognise symptoms, provide basic care, and ensure patients reached the hospital swiftly. A helpline was set up, and a WhatsApp group was created for real-time coordination among doctors and health workers. Between 2018 and now, the Demow health centre has treated 2,838 snakebite patients. Only one person died, having arrived too late. Since 2021, there has not been a single snakebite death recorded at the hospital, Giri says. Encouraged by the success, Giris team began working with the Assam government to implement the model across the state. There were over 150 deaths in 2022. It came down to 37 in 2023, 36 in 2024, and only two so far this year both cases arrived late, he says. The team has conducted 510 awareness campaigns, trained 1,500 medical officers under the National Health Mission, and collaborated with snake rescuers, herpetologists, and researchers. The partnership yielded the first Assam-specific snakebite treatment protocol, adapted from national guidelines to suit the regions unique ecology. We came to know of the snake species found in Assam, their venom and its composition, symptoms of snakebite and amount of antivenom that needs to be administered, the pioneer says. Endorsed by the Assam government in November 2024, the treatment protocol accounts for the states six venomous snake species Pit Viper, Monocled Cobra, Black Krait, Banded Krait, Red Necked Keelback, and Russells Viper. Giris team found that only 16% of snakebites in Assam are venomous, a stark contrast to the national figure of 30%.
Assam Panchayat polls: CM Sarma to campaign in three districts on Monday
Guwahati: With Panchayat polls due in Assam within a week, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been vigorously campaigning for the BJP candidates across the state. CM Sarma campaigned in Barak valley and Dibrugarh in the last two days, and is set to hold several public rallies in Biswanath, Sonitpur and Nagaon districts on Monday. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Man Lynched By Mob On Suspicion Of Stealing Goats In Assam
A man suspected of stealing goats was lynched by a mob in Assam's Dibrugarh on Monday morning, said the police. Another man was critically injured during the attack.
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police on Monday registered a case and arrested two individuals in connection with a WhatsApp group chat that allegedly expressed support for jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh and detailed plans to target senior political leaders. Screenshots of the chat, which surfaced on social media, reportedly included discussions about attacking Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, in response to the one-year extension of Amritpals detention under the National Security Act (NSA). A First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Moga under Sections 61(2)(a), 113(3), 152, and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Information Technology Act. The accused have been identified as Lakhdeep Singh Sardargarh from Bathinda, Balkar Singh from New Model Town, Khanna, and Pawandeep Singh from Khote, Moga. Of the three, Balkar and Pawandeep have been arrested. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Faridkot Range) Ashwani Kapoor said, A case has been registered by Moga Police at the Cyber Station and two accused have been arrested. Other unidentified persons, once they are identified, will be arrested. Sources claimed that the WhatsApp group, which has more than 600 members, reportedly discussed plans to strike and take revenge against Shah, Bittu, Majithia, and Parminder Singh Talwara, an aide to the late Deep Sidhu, founder of Waris Punjab De . The group blamed them for playing a key role in keeping Amritpal in jail. Screenshots and audio recordings from the group chat have been shared with security agencies. The discussions on this group allegedly took place in the background of the extension of Amritpal's detention under the NSA. Police sources claim the group chat included discussions on foreign funding, arms procurement, and the circulation of inflammatory content online. They added that the leaked chats revealed some members of the group were willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause if their families were assured protection. Now security agencies are reportedly investigating these threats, as there are fears of potential violence in the state. These kinds of threats are taken seriously, whether they appear in the public sphere or otherwise, said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu alleged that some pro-Khalistan elements linked to the 'Waris Punjab De' outfit - whose chief is radical preacher Amritpal Singh - were plotting to assassinate him and other political leaders in Punjab. The conspiracy has been exposed through leaked screenshots of a chat on social media platforms, he claimed. Warning that the activities of such groups were pushing the state towards instability reminiscent of its dark past, Bittu said the central government has also taken serious note of the plot hatched by the leaders of 'Waris Punjab De'. The Centre will not allow anti-national forces to destabilise Punjab. My grandfather (Beant Singh) laid down his life for peace in Punjab. I come from a family of martyrs and I am not intimidated by extremist threats. I will not allow Punjab to descend into darkness again. Those behind this conspiracy will face the consequences, he asserted. Bittu also criticised the AAP government for what he described as a lenient stance towards criminal elements masquerading as political activists. Meanwhile, senior SAD leader Majithia demanded the immediate arrest of all members of the WhatsApp group linked with the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De party and Amritpal who were planning the execution of high-profile politicians. He demanded a NIA probe into the matter. Majithia announced that he would forward all the evidence in his possession to the Centre, stating that the Punjab Police had become politicised and could not be trusted to investigate Amritpal and his associates. He also questioned why Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was silent on such a crucial matter. Are the Punjab Police, which have all the evidence in their possession, and the Chief Minister waiting for someone to die? he asked. Majithia also released details of the WhatsApp conversations on the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De Team Moga page, in which team members asserted that they were ready to become martyrs and asked if their families would be looked after in the event they carried out political assassinations of leaders including Ravneet Bittu, Bikram Singh Majithia, and Amit Shah. He also released an audio clip in which a woman is allegedly heard instigating members to become suicide bombers. The Punjab government has extended Amritpal's detention by one more year. He is currently lodged in Central Jail at Dibrugarh in Assam. He was detained under the NSA after his arrest on 23 April 2023. Amritpal's father, Tarsem Singh, on Sunday criticised the AAP government for extending his son's detention under the NSA. Amritpal, who styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested in Rode village in Moga district on 23 April 2023, following a more than month-long manhunt.
Punjab government to extend detention of Amritpal Singh under NSA for another year
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government has decided to extend the detention of Khadoor Sahib MP and radical Sikh leader Amritpal Singh under the National Security Act (NSA) for another year. A senior government official confirmed that Amritpals detention will be extended next week and he will remain lodged in a jail in Assam's Dibrugarh. The decision to extend Amritpals detention was taken after discussions between state and the central agencies keeping in mind security concerns. A notice in this regard is being issued to Singh who has been jailed in Dibrugarh in Assam since April 2023, he said. Amritpal, 32, who is the head of the Waris Punjab De organization, was arrested at Rode village in Moga district on April 23, 2023, following a manhunt by Punjab Police. This came after his supporters stormed the Ajnala police station in Amritsar district on February 23, demanding the release of one of his accomplices, Lovepreet Toofan. All nine associates of Amritpal, who were lodged in the Dibrugarh jail along with him in 2023, had been brought back to Punjab recently after the NSA was dropped on them in order to join the investigation into the attack on the Ajnala police station. The nine are Basant Singh, Bhagwant Singh Bajekhana, Gurmeet Singh Bukkanwala, Sarabjit Kalsi, Gurinder Pal Singh, Harjeet Singh, Kulwant Singh, Pappalpreet Singh and Varinderpal Johal. The decision to extend Amritpal's detention was made by the state home department on the recommendation of the Amritsar District Magistrate. The DMs recommendation is based on the report of the state police and intelligence wing. Amritpal was an exception because of some additional evidence that he continued to be a threat to the law and order of the state. The decision was taken after careful deliberation by the Home department, with the recommendation of the advisory board, said an official.
Assam gets Northeasts first onco-robotic surgery facility
GUWAHATI: Ahead of the month-long celebration of Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, Assam on Sunday got the Northeasts first-ever onco-robotic surgery facility at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital. The state government procured the Rs 14.99 crore cutting-edge robotic surgery machine under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke scheme of the central government. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said similar facilities were coming up in Silchar and Dibrugarh. He said government hospitals in the state would now offer low-cost, highly precise, and least invasive oncological surgical procedures through Made in India in machinery. He also said that adequate and well-coordinated steps had been taken to ensure empowering doctors to operate this high-end medical equipment. To ensure we create manpower to operate high-end medical tech, we are also in the process of beginning nursing colleges in all cancer hospitals across the state where the students will get exposure in the English and Japanese languages to help them expand their career opportunities in vast geographical areas, the chief minister said. He expressed gratitude to the ICICI Foundation for its contribution under CSR initiative and donating high-end medical equipment to the State Cancer Institute. With the launch of the robotic surgery facility, the government reaffirmed its commitment to advance healthcare infrastructure in the state and ensure world-class treatment for every citizen. An official statement said robotic surgery offers enhanced precision, superior control, and 3D visualisation, enabling better outcomes in cancer care. The machine is equipped with universal safety features and an articulating endoscope and camera control system with the latest software and is Make in India technology. The statement also said that surgery involving this robotic facility would decrease operation time and chances of bleeding.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated North East India's first onco-robotic surgery facility at the State Cancer Institute in Guwahati. Procured under a central government scheme at a cost of Rs. 14.99 crore, the 'Make in India' robotic system promises enhanced precision and better outcomes in cancer care. Similar facilities will soon be introduced in Dibrugarh and Silchar.
Punjab Police take custody of Waris Punjab De member Papalpreet Singh from Assam jail
Waris Punjab De member Papalpreet Singh was detained under the National Security Act (NSA). A Punjab Police team who arrived from Punjab sought permission for his custody and transit remand from the Court of the District and Sessions Judge, Dibrugarh.
Assam: AFSPA Extended In Three Districts For Six More Months
The government, however, withdrew the controversial law from Dibrugarh district as the situation 'improved' there.
AFSPA Withdrawn From Assam's Dibrugarh
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been withdrawn from Assam's Dibrugarh district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday.
FSPA lifted from Dibrugarh, now applies to only three Assam districts: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Union Home ministry has removed AFSPA from Dibrugarh, leaving the act applicable in only three districts. Sarma also highlighted the reduction of travel advisories by Japan, indicating improved safety and gradual stabilization in most areas of Assam.
