Bihu Troupe Attack in Sribhumi: SSP Leena Doley Says No Communal Angle

Sribhumi Senior Superintendent of Police Leena Doley has ruled out a communal angle in the alleged attack on a Bihu troupe in Sribhumi, stating that the incident involved intoxicated people whose exchange of remarks escalated into violence. She urged people not to give the incident a communal colour, emphasising that Assamese and Bengali communities have been living in harmony in this region. She also said action would be taken against Hindustan Club over rules allegedly violated.

The SSP said the police would soon provide details of the chargesheet and the rules allegedly violated by Hindustan Club. She added that action would follow over any established violations. Her statement comes amid public attention surrounding the incident and questions about the circumstances in which the confrontation occurred.

The incident took place on 23 October during a cultural programme organised as part of Hindustan Club’s Durga idol immersion in Sribhumi town. A Bihu troupe had been invited to perform at the event. The incident gained traction on social media on 24 and 25 October, attracting wider attention after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned the alleged attack and directed the Director General of Police to take immediate action.

According to the victims, the confrontation began when someone objected to Assamese being allowed during the cultural programme. They alleged that the exchange escalated into a physical altercation, during which performers were manhandled. The victims also claimed that some of them lost their gold and silver chains. These allegations have not been independently verified.

The victims also named a person identified as Ayush Paul, alleging that he arrived with a group and initiated the confrontation. They claimed that he introduced himself as a karyakarta of Bajrang Dal, but said they could not independently confirm his affiliation. The victims further alleged that the attackers chanted “Jai Shri Ram” during the assault.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the alleged attack as disturbing and unfortunate and directed the Assam DGP to ensure immediate action against those responsible. State Minister Krishnendu Paul also stressed unity between Assamese and Bengali communities, stating that they belong to one family. He assured that those responsible would not be spared and said Hindustan Club would also come under investigation.

SSP Leena Doley, meanwhile, cited the local community’s decision to invite an Assamese Bihu troupe and pay tribute to singer Zubeen Garg as examples of communal harmony in the area. She urged people not to interpret the incident as a conflict between Assamese and Bengali communities. The police investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances of the confrontation, identify those responsible and establish whether any rules were violated by Hindustan Club.