Assam Blast Plot Foiled: All Suspects Arrested, Mastermind on the Run, Says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Police Prevent Series of Attacks in Guwahati, Tezpur, Lakhimpur; Mastermind on the Run
Guwahati — In a major breakthrough, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state police had successfully foiled a coordinated grenade blast conspiracy, arresting all individuals assigned to execute the attacks. The mastermind behind the plot, however, remains at large but has been tracked outside the state.
The development comes in the wake of a grenade attack in Bokakhat on June 24 that left three security personnel injured. Two motorcycle-borne assailants hurled a grenade at a CRPF camp, triggering immediate statewide alerts.
Arrests Made, Weapons Seized
During a press conference held on Friday, CM Sarma confirmed,
“The plan was to trigger explosions in Bokakhat, Guwahati, Tezpur, and Lakhimpur. All those entrusted with carrying out the blasts have been arrested.”
Police recovered three grenades and one pistol during raids conducted at the residences of the arrested suspects.
Mastermind Identified, Still Absconding
While all ground-level operatives have been apprehended, the chief conspirator is still absconding. CM Sarma stated that the suspect is not currently in Assam, but his location has been identified, and his arrest is imminent.
“We are confident that he will be in our custody soon,” Sarma assured the public.
Who Are the Accused?
Contrary to initial fears of militant resurgence, the Chief Minister clarified that the suspects do not belong to any active militant outfit.
“They appear to be criminal-minded individuals. One has a prior connection to ULFA and served jail time. Others are known for crimes like drug trafficking and cattle theft,” Sarma revealed.
He emphasized that the case should not be seen as a sign of renewed insurgency, which the state had successfully brought under control in recent years.
No Return of AFSPA, Says CM
When questioned about whether such incidents could trigger the return of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) in broader regions of Assam, the CM clarified:
“AFSPA is implemented in areas of prolonged insurgency, not isolated criminal acts. Currently, it is enforced only in Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar districts. There are no plans to expand its coverage.”
The statement reassures citizens that the state government remains committed to maintaining peace without reviving harsh counterinsurgency laws across Assam.
Ongoing Investigation: Who Incited the Attack?
According to the Chief Minister, statements recorded from the suspects so far have been conflicting, and the source of incitement remains unclear.
“The motive and mastermind’s intent are under investigation,” he said, suggesting that the plot may have deeper roots that are still being explored.
Assam’s Security Outlook
The Assam government has ramped up security measures across major towns following the Bokakhat blast. Rapid action units, forensic teams, and intelligence personnel have been deployed to monitor sensitive areas and trace potential collaborators.
CM Himanta, who also heads the Home portfolio, reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and organized crime.
Conclusion
The swift and coordinated efforts of the Assam Police have prevented what could have been a major security disaster across key districts. While the arrest of all operational suspects brings temporary relief, the hunt for the absconding mastermind and identification of the instigators behind the plan remain critical.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s message was clear: Assam will not tolerate any threat to peace, and security operations will intensify to maintain law and order.