Guwahati: The Assam government has set up a one-member commission of inquiry headed by former Gauhati High Court judge Justice H. N. Sarma to investigate the incident that occurred at the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Secretariat in Kokrajhar on November 29, 2025.
The commission has been constituted under Section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, to examine the circumstances that led to protests by student organisations of Bodoland University and the developments that followed during the agitation.
According to a public notice issued by the commission’s office, the inquiry will examine the reasons behind the protest and reconstruct the sequence of events, including the march taken out towards the BTC Secretariat.
The commission will also probe allegations that protesters broke through barricades, entered the Secretariat premises forcibly and were involved in acts of vandalism during the demonstration.
Another key focus of the inquiry will be the response of the district administration, police and officials of the BTC Secretariat during the incident. It will assess whether there were any lapses or shortcomings in anticipating, preventing or handling the situation.
The panel will also review the extent of damage caused to public property and the disruption to official functioning as a result of the protest.
As part of the inquiry process, the commission has invited written statements or representations from the Government of Assam, the BTC authorities, Bodoland University, affected individuals, organisations and members of the public who have knowledge of the incident.
The notice stated that submissions may be filed either individually or jointly by groups. Each representation must clearly mention the full name, postal address and contact details of the person submitting it.
Those submitting statements are required to attach any relevant documents along with a list of witnesses, including their addresses and contact information. All submissions must also be supported by an affidavit confirming the facts stated.
Written representations must be submitted in triplicate either in person during office hours or through authorised representatives at the commission’s office. They may also be sent through registered or speed post to reach the commission on or before March 26, 2026.
Submissions can also be routed through the office of the District Commissioner of Kokrajhar via Assistant Commissioner Subham Sinha, who will forward them to the commission.
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The commission said the venue, date and time for hearings and recording of evidence will be announced later under the provisions of Section 8 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.
The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances that led to the protest and determine the role and accountability of the authorities involved in handling the situation at the BTC Secretariat.
