Police in Assam's Sribhumi district have arrested 17 people in connection with an alleged attack on a cultural Bihu troupe, according to official reports. Following an initial wave of enforcement that led to 13 detentions, law enforcement authorities apprehended four more suspects following directives issued by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Addressing rumors surrounding the incident, law enforcement authorities clarified that the investigation revealed no communal angle to the violent clash. Police officials stated that the altercation was directly linked to alcohol consumption among those involved.

Police Findings and Escalating Arrests

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Leena Doley, investigative findings confirmed that the clash was not driven by communal tensions. Police reports indicated that the dispute broke out primarily due to intoxication.

The assault on the troupe initially led to the arrest of 13 suspects by Assam Police. As operations continued, four additional individuals were taken into custody, bringing the total number of arrests to 17.

Political Leadership Directs Action

The incident sparked widespread public outrage across the state, prompting top government officials to intervene. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure strict and immediate law enforcement action against all perpetrators.

Condemning the violence, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed strong disapproval of the incident, stating that hostility toward the region's cultural heritage remains completely unacceptable.

Sources

This report was prepared by the Vani24 news desk with AI assistance, based on reporting by the publications below.