Drunk conversation triggered Sribhumi bihu troupe clash, arrests rise to 17: Assam Police

Four more people have been arrested in connection with the October 23 clash between members of the Hindustan Club and the Adorkona Bihu group during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession in Assam’s Sribhumi district, taking the total number of arrests to 17, police said.

Speaking about the incident, Sribhumi Superintendent of Police Leena Doley said the clash involved members of both groups and left several people injured, including eight members of the Adorkona Bihu group and two police personnel who had gone to control the situation.

According to Doley, the confrontation escalated following an exchange during a conversation between some people who were allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Police have not found any communal angle in the incident so far, she said, rejecting interpretations that it was a confrontation between Assamese and Bengali communities.

Doley said the Bihu group had been invited to perform at the event, adding that the investigation had not revealed evidence of communal hostility. She appealed to the public not to give the incident a communal colour and urged people to maintain peace and harmony.

Police had earlier arrested 13 people and produced them before a court. Doley said those arrested initially were granted bail. Four more people were arrested on October 25 after investigators examined camera footage allegedly identifying their involvement. They are scheduled to be produced before a court on Monday.

The police are aiming to file the chargesheet within 30 days, Doley said, adding that the investigation is continuing. She also said arrest memos had been signed by the accused, but police would examine any allegations of discrepancies and take action if any lapse was established.

The incident reportedly involved a clash between members of the Hindustan Club and the Adorkona Bihu group, with allegations of assault on performers and damage to traditional musical instruments. Police personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control.

Doley said the situation in the area was now peaceful and normal. She added that representatives of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) had submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, while members of the Adorkona group had also raised their concerns.

The incident had drawn condemnation from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister and former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and AASU president Utpal Sarma. The Chief Minister had directed the police to take prompt action, while leaders called for accountability over the alleged assault on performers.

Doley assured that the investigation would proceed in accordance with the law and that appropriate action would be taken based on the evidence gathered.