ON May 25, a delegation led by CPI(M) Assam state secretary Suprakash Talukdar, Central Committee Member Isfaqur Rahman and MLA Manoranjan Talukdar visited Shalonabori village at Batadrava area under Nagaon district to look into a case of alleged custodial death and police brutality.

On May 20, Shafiqul Islam, a poor businessman and a resident of Shalonabori village, was arrested by the police on charges that are unclear. Later, the police reportedly demanded Rs 10,000 for releasing him and when that demand was not met, he was reportedly killed while in custody. The next day, enraged residents protested and partially damaged the Batradava police station. In retaliation, a large police contingent wreaked havoc on the Shalonabori village and bulldozed the houses of Shafiqul Islam and four others. They also arrested the wife, two minor daughters, and brothers of Shafiqul, and some villagers.

The CPI(M) delegation spoke to the villagers who suffered police atrocities. The CPI(M) condemned the killing of Shafiqul in police custody and the violence against the villagers. The Party demanded a judicial inquiry into the incidents and strong action against all those who have taken law into their own hands. The Party also strongly condemned the BJP government for spreading lies and distorting facts with a communal twist to cover up police brutalities.