All Suspects In Assam Grenade Blast Plot Arrested; Key Accused Still Absconding: CM Sharma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday confirmed the arrest of all individuals allegedly involved in the planning and execution of grenade blasts across four key locations in the state. The arrests come just days after a grenade attack at a CRPF camp in Bokakhat injured three police personnel on June 24.

Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Minister revealed that two motorcycle-borne assailants were responsible for the Bokakhat attack. "The plan was to carry out blasts in Bokakhat, Guwahati, Tezpur, and Lakhimpur," he said. “Police have arrested all those who were to carry out these blasts.”

Law enforcement authorities have recovered three grenades and a pistol from the residences of the accused. Sharma stated that the group does not appear to be affiliated with any militant organisation, although one of the arrested individuals had past links with the banned outfit ULFA and had previously served jail time.

“These are criminal-minded individuals,” Sarma added. “One of them has a history of involvement in cattle theft, another in drug-related offences. Further investigations are underway to establish who instigated them. Currently, their statements are inconsistent.”

The Chief Minister also noted that the main accused, who played a central role in the planning, remains absconding. "He is not in Assam, but we have information on his whereabouts. He will be apprehended soon."

When asked whether such incidents could prompt the reinstatement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in more parts of the state, Sarma dismissed the speculation. “AFSPA is linked to prolonged insurgency, not isolated incidents. It is currently applicable in Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar, and there are no plans to expand it.”

The police continue their investigation into the broader conspiracy behind the attempted attacks.