Assam Police arrest 3 KLO members in Basugaon, potential sabotage ahead of polls prevented

In anticipation of the third phase of elections, law enforcement conducted a preemptive raid in Basugaon, Chirang, resulting in the apprehension of three members associated with the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO). The arrested individuals were identified as Robin Barman, also known as Lankeshwar Koch or Lambu, hailing from Hekaipara, Utpal Roy, alias Pankaj Koch, from Gossaigaon, and Dhananjay Barman from Noitamara 1st block.

Following the arrests, pivotal information provided by the detained KLO members led authorities to discover a bomb concealed along the banks of Champabati River in Kachudola near Basugaon town during the early hours. This timely revelation averted a potential disaster in the Basugaon area, representing a narrow escape from sabotage.

The police operation, initiated based on intelligence received, unfolded when officers from Basugaon police station raided a hotel in the station road area of Basugaon town, ultimately resulting in the capture of the KLO operatives. Subsequently, an exhaustive overnight effort by law enforcement culminated in the successful recovery of the buried explosive device from the sands of Champabati River in Kachudola village.

It is suspected that the KLO members had congregated at the site with intentions of carrying out subversive activities in the run-up to the impending elections. The swift and decisive action by the authorities underscores their dedication to ensuring public safety and thwarting potential threats to the democratic process.

Also read: Meghalaya: Govt to re-verify RTI response after HYC raises authenticity concerns