Days after Assam's proscribed outfit, the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) [ULFA(I)], claimed to have planted bombs at 24 locations across the state to trigger blasts on Independence Day, the Director General of Police (DGP) G P Singh announced a cash reward of ₹5 lakhs for information leading to the identification of those involved in manufacturing, transporting, and planting the explosive devices.
In a statement to the media, DGP Singh said, "We are offering a cash reward of up to ₹5 lakhs for any credible information regarding those who made, transported, and planted these IED-like devices."
Singh also mentioned that the Additional DG (Headquarters) and the Inspector General (STF) would travel to the Upper Assam districts to review operational preparedness and provide direction on the ongoing investigation. He said, "We are 100 percent confident that this case will be cracked. No one will be allowed to disrupt the peace."
It is pertinent to note that so far, the authorities in Assam have seized 10 bomb-like substances from various locations across the state. The ULFA(I) had provided a list of 19 specific locations of the total 24 in an email sent to several media houses, along with photographs, but could not pinpoint the remaining five spots, which they claimed would be detonated on Independence Day. However, the group later attributed the failure of the bombs to detonate to "technical issues" and sought public cooperation in defusing the devices.
Ongoing Search Operations
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the threat, Assam Police said they have intensified their search operations and investigation across the state in connection to the case. The officials said that in terms of search efforts being carried out by the authorities, searches have been conducted in various locations, including the Panitola residence of Anup Chetia, a former self-styled general secretary of ULFA who signed a peace pact with the government last year.
And, additionally, in terms of investigation, a minor has been detained for questioning in Lakhimpur, and four cases have been registered in Guwahati. The officials said investigating officers are coordinating with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the overall supervision of the city’s Commissioner of Police to further the investigation.
(With inputs from PTI)
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