On January 3, 2025, a 27-year-old man was discovered dead in the Ranga Reserved Forest, located along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. The victim bore pellet injuries, raising suspicions of foul play. The incident has rekindled long-standing concerns about territorial disputes and the persistent issue of cross-border crimes in the region.
The body was discovered during a routine patrol by forest officials. Authorities from both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have initiated joint investigations to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death. The identity of the deceased has not yet been disclosed, and his presence in the reserved forest remains unexplained.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident might be linked to cross-border tensions, which have historically led to sporadic violence and criminal activities in the region. Local law enforcement and paramilitary forces have been deployed to prevent further escalation and maintain peace.
Community leaders and civil society groups have called for a collaborative approach between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to address the root causes of such incidents, including unresolved territorial disputes, illegal logging, and poaching. Authorities have also assured a swift and impartial investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.