Police in Assam's Chirang district on Sunday arrested four more individuals in connection with the violence that erupted in Runikhata on April 17, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 22.

The arrested persons have been identified as Nibai Soren, Mangal Kisku, Tunu Tudu, and Joila Tudu. Their arrest comes in addition to three others picked up earlier in the day. According to ground reports, all four were taken to Bijni Police Station following their detention.

Police said the investigation is ongoing, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend more individuals involved in the incident.

The arrests follow violent protests that broke out in Runikhata after an eviction drive carried out by forest officials. During the unrest, protestors allegedly ransacked the Runikhata Forest Range office and set several vehicles on fire.

The eviction drive was conducted in response to large-scale encroachment in the Runikhata Forest Range under Chirang district. During the operation, officials detained at least 25 alleged encroachers and brought them to the police station.

However, tensions escalated after rumours spread that police personnel had assaulted women who had gone to seek the release of the detained individuals. This triggered widespread protests, which soon turned violent.