GUWAHATI, Oct 26: Seventeen persons have been arrested in connection with the alleged attack on a Bihu troupe in Sribhumi district, Assam DGP Harmeet Singh informed on Monday.
“In connection with the attack on a Bihu troupe in Sribhumi, four more accused were arrested last (Sunday) night and are being produced before the court. Thirteen accused had already been arrested, taking the total number of arrests to 17,” Singh stated.
A case was registered at Sribhumi police station on Sunday following the alleged attack on the Bihu troupe. During the course of the investigation, 13 persons were earlier arrested and forwarded to the court on Sunday.
“Further investigation is underway, and necessary steps are being taken to identify and apprehend the other persons involved in the incident,” the DGP had stated on Sunday, reiterating commitment of the state police force in upholding the rule of law, safeguarding citizens’ rights, maintaining peace and harmony and bringing all those involved to justice.
Prior to the police action, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had termed the news of the alleged attack on the Bihu troupe as “deeply disturbing and unfortunate”.
“Bihu is the soul of Assam, our pride and our identity. We will never tolerate any insult to our culture and heritage. I have directed the DGP, Assam Police to ensure immediate action,” Sarma had stated on Sunday.
Union minister and former Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal also condemned the incident, stating: “Deeply disturbed to learn about the unfortunate attack on a Bihu troupe in Sribhumi by some miscreants. Bihu is the lifeline that binds the greater Assamese society.”
“Any assault on our artists and hostility toward our heritage is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Sonowal said.