“It’s a nightmare,” said a visitor whose wallet was stolen. “You come here to enjoy, but instead, you are worried about your belongings the whole time.”
You are walking through the vibrant lanes, music echoing in the background, the smell of food tempting you from every corner. Just as you are about to capture a moment on your phone, you realise it is missing. You check your pockets, only to find your wallet gone too.
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Nearby, the chaos grows louder. A group gathers around parked cars with shattered windows, voices raised in anger. People rush to the scene, accusing a group of boys of vandalism and theft.
This is the unsettling reality many visitors are facing at this year’s Brahmaputra Carnival, where incidents of theft, pickpocketing, and vandalism are casting a shadow over the celebrations.
Petty crimes, including thefts and vandalism, are increasingly being reported near the Brahmaputra Carnival at Lachit Ghat, creating safety concerns for visitors. Recent incidents, including thefts, altercations, and vandalism, have sparked outrage among locals, with many pointing to groups of miscreants allegedly involved in drug use and theft.
On January 14, a heated altercation near the carnival’s parking lot escalated into chaos when a boy was allegedly caught smashing car windows. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. at Lachit Ghat, with eyewitnesses claiming that the boy reacted aggressively when confronted by parking staff. A scuffle broke out, during which the boy was reportedly beaten up.
A video of the incident, now widely circulated, shows the boy being surrounded by parking attendants and members of the public, further fueling discussions about safety and security at the event.
Speaking to GPlus, a teacher who attended the carnival expressed her frustration over the lack of security measures. “If a citizen calls the police, why does the public start targeting them just because they are Hindi-speaking? And why are parking attendants with such behaviour allowed to manage these lots?” she questioned, hinting at underlying issues of public harassment and accountability.
The situation was further complicated when the boys involved fled the scene before police arrived. An official from Bharalumukh Police Station confirmed, “By the time we reached, the boys had already escaped. However, we are investigating the matter.”
Locals and parking staff have reported that incidents like this are not uncommon near the carnival. Speaking to GPlus, a member of the Lachit Ghat Parking Lot shared his concerns. “They are mostly drug addicts and thieves. Just 10 to 15 days ago, a group of boys broke the windows of eight cars and stole valuables. When we tried to catch them, they hurled abuses and ran off.”
The parking attendant recalled another incident where a boy’s family was contacted after he was caught. “His father came and compensated the car owners for the damage. But this doesn’t solve the problem—such incidents happen almost every day,” he added.
He also highlighted the difficulties faced by parking staff. “We often have to pay out of our own pockets to compensate visitors because they blame us for the damages. These boys keep coming back, sometimes with larger groups, and create more chaos,” he said.
Locals in the area have also voiced concerns about the growing number of petty crimes. A shopkeeper near Lachit Ghat told GPlus, “These groups of boys are drug addicts. They roam around late at night, looking for opportunities to steal or cause trouble. It has become a daily issue, and people are fed up.”
Another resident said, “The carnival should be a place where families can enjoy themselves, but it feels unsafe because of these miscreants. They not only steal but also intimidate people, making it difficult for us to feel secure in our own city.”
Officials from the Fancy Bazaar Police Outpost confirmed that such incidents have increased during the carnival. “On December 31 and January 1, when the crowd was at its peak, several cases of pickpocketing and mobile snatching were reported,” an official said.
Bharalumukh Police, responsible for security within the carnival, has also reported multiple complaints. “Five to six cases of mobile theft have been registered at our station during the carnival. Security personnel are deployed in shifts to monitor the area round the clock. However, these incidents are challenging to control due to the large crowds,” an official stated.
The police have assured the public that investigations are underway and efforts are being made to identify and apprehend the culprits.
Despite the deployment of security personnel, locals argue that more needs to be done to ensure safety in and around the carnival. Visitors have suggested increasing the number of security checkpoints, installing CCTV cameras in vulnerable areas, and improving lighting near parking lots and pathways.
A resident from Bharalumukh talking to GPlus said, “It’s not just about catching these boys—it’s about preventing such incidents altogether. The authorities should work on deterring criminal activities by making the area safer and more secure for everyone.”
The Brahmaputra Carnival is one of the most popular events in Guwahati, attracting visitors from across the state. However, the recurring crimes and security lapses have put the event’s reputation at risk. Families and tourists, who are the primary attendees, are now questioning whether it is worth visiting the carnival under such unsafe conditions.
A regular attendee told GPlus, “The carnival used to be a family-friendly event, but this year, it feels risky. We are constantly worried about theft or harassment, which ruins the experience.”
Others believe the event organisers need to step up their security measures. Suggestions include installing more CCTV cameras, improving lighting around parking lots, and increasing the number of security personnel.
Locals believe that a multi-pronged approach is needed to address the issue effectively. This includes better coordination between police and event organisers, stricter patrolling in surrounding areas, and addressing the root causes of crime, such as drug addiction among youth.
A social worker in the area pointed out, “These boys are not just thieves—they are victims of addiction and neglect. If we want to solve this problem in the long run, we need to focus on rehabilitation and creating opportunities for them to lead better lives.”
While the Brahmaputra Carnival celebrates Assam’s culture and heritage, the rising incidents of theft and vandalism highlight the urgent need to address safety challenges in public spaces.
The people of Guwahati now await decisive action from the authorities to ensure the festivities remain enjoyable and secure for all.
