Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has suggested that the grenade blast in Bokakhat on Tuesday evening may be a retaliatory strike by elements involved in poaching activities, rather than an act of militancy.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday during an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Emergency in Dispur, Sarma acknowledged that such attacks are often linked to militant outfits like ULFA (Independent). However, in this case, he said the police suspect a different motive.
“Usually, incidents of this nature bring ULFA to mind. But in this case, preliminary findings by Golaghat Police indicate a possible connection to poaching. Two youths suspected to be involved have been identified, although they are currently on the run,” the Chief Minister stated.
He further explained that a clearer understanding of the motive would emerge after the suspects are apprehended. “While the ULFA angle has not been ruled out, police are examining all possibilities. Once the absconders are caught, we’ll know whether this was an isolated act or something carried out under instructions from a group,” he said.
Echoing the Chief Minister’s assessment, Golaghat Superintendent of Police Rajen Singh also said the incident doesn’t appear to follow the pattern of a typical militant operation. According to Singh, the nature of the blast and ongoing developments in the district point to a possible act of retaliation linked to the recent surge in anti-poaching and anti-drug operations.
“We’re not seeing the typical indicators of militant involvement. Our focus remains on the possibility that this was a reaction to the pressure our operations have placed on poaching and trafficking networks,” SP Singh said.
Backed by statistics, Singh highlighted that over the past few months, the district police have arrested more than 50 poachers, neutralized two in encounters, and seized 11 illegal firearms, including an AK-56 rifle. He added that these enforcement actions have significantly disrupted criminal activities in the region, and Tuesday’s explosion could be an act of revenge by disgruntled groups.
The blast occurred around 8:20 PM in the Panbari area of Bokakhat, targeting the 11th Battalion Assam Police camp, which was earlier occupied by CRPF forces. Three police personnel were injured in the explosion, causing panic among local residents.
The injured have been identified as Siddhartha Borbora, Sushil Bhumij, and Mintu Hazarika. All three were taken to a nearby hospital and are reportedly recovering.
Authorities have recovered splinters and other suspicious materials from the site. An intensive manhunt has been launched to track down the two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants, and police presence in the area has been stepped up as investigations continue.
As the probe progresses, both the government and law enforcement agencies remain focused on uncovering the full extent of the motive and identifying any broader networks involved.
