SRIBHUMI, Oct 26: Four more people have been arrested in connection with the alleged attack on a Bihu troupe during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession in Assam’s Sribhumi district, taking the total number of arrests to 17, police said on Monday.
“Further investigation is underway. Sribhumi Police remains committed to upholding the law, safeguarding citizens’ rights and ensuring peace and harmony,” Sribhumi Police said in a statement.
The incident occurred when a Bihu troupe invited to perform during the immersion procession was allegedly attacked by a group of people. Several performers were reportedly injured, and traditional musical instruments were damaged.
Earlier, Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh had confirmed the arrest of 13 people. He said a case had been registered at Sribhumi police station and the arrested persons had been produced before a court. Police were also working to identify and apprehend other alleged perpetrators.
The arrests followed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s directive to the police to take immediate action against those responsible. Sarma, who also holds the Home portfolio, said attempts to insult Assam’s cultural identity and heritage would not be tolerated and instructed the state police chief to ensure prompt action.
Union Minister and former Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal also condemned the alleged attack, stating that Bihu was central to Assamese society and that assaults on artistes or hostility towards the state’s cultural heritage were unacceptable.
All Assam Students’ Union president Utpal Sarma described the incident as unforgivable, particularly the alleged assault on performers and damage to traditional instruments such as the dhol and pepa. He called for swift and exemplary action against those involved.
