Sribhumi Bihu Troupe Attack: 17 Arrested, Police Rule Out Communal Angle
Assam Police have arrested 17 people after a Bihu troupe was attacked in Sribhumi. SSP Leena Doley rules out communal tensions in the incident.
The Assam Police have intensified their crackdown following a violent assault on a Bihu cultural troupe in the Sribhumi district, confirming the arrest of 17 individuals. The incident, which left eight artists injured, sparked widespread concern over cultural sensitivities in the region, but authorities have now clarified that the clash was not fueled by communal hatred.
Alcohol and 'Overexcitement' Triggered Clash
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Leena Doley addressed the media on Monday, explicitly dismissing rumors of communal friction between the Assamese and Bengali communities. According to the police chief, the altercation was a result of physical aggression triggered by the influence of alcohol and general overexcitement rather than any deep-seated ethnic or religious hostility.
"Our investigation has established that there is no communal angle to the incident. The involved individuals had consumed alcohol... There is no communal hostility between the Assamese and Bengali communities in Sribhumi," SSP Leena Doley stated.
Rapid Police Response and Evidence Gathering
The police action unfolded in two stages. Initially, thirteen individuals were apprehended as officers worked to bring the volatile situation under control. Subsequently, investigators analyzed video footage of the assault, which allowed them to identify and arrest four additional suspects.
The SSP emphasized that the police are fast-tracking the legal process to ensure swift justice for the injured artists. The authorities have expressed confidence in their evidence and aim to file the formal chargesheet within the next 30 days.
Government Outrage: "Bihu is the Soul of Assam"
The incident drew immediate and sharp condemnation from the highest levels of state government. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the attack as "deeply disturbing and unfortunate," asserting that the state would not tolerate any insults to Assamese culture and heritage.
In a strong statement on X, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of the dance form, stating, "Bihu is the soul of Assam, our pride and our identity." He immediately directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to take stringent action against the perpetrators.
The Incident at the Durga Puja Event
The violence erupted during a Durga Puja celebration in the Sribhumi district. A group of miscreants reportedly took objection to the performance of Assamese songs in the Barak Valley, leading to the severe attack on the cultural troupe.
Assam DGP Harmeet Singh confirmed that a case has been registered at the Sribhumi Police Station. He assured the Chief Minister and the public that the investigation remains active, and police are continuing their efforts to identify and apprehend any other individuals who may have been involved in the assault.
- Total Arrests: 17 persons
- Injuries: 8 Bihu artists wounded
- Primary Cause: Alcohol influence and overexcitement
- Legal Timeline: Chargesheet expected within 30 days