GUWAHATI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on December 16 arrested Jahnu Baruah, alias Arnab Axom, an operative of the banned terrorist outfit ULFA (I), for his role in planting Improvised Explosive Devices in Guwahati, Assam, during Independence Day celebrations in 2024.
In an early morning intelligence-based operation, the NIA teams, accompanied by the Assam Police, carried out searches at Baruah's residence in Dibrugarh.
Incriminating materials, including digital devices, were seized and are presently under examination. After the search, Baruah was brought in for further questioning to a local police facility.
During the initial probe, Baruah accepted that he had planted four of the 11 IEDs discovered by the Assam police on the eve of the celebrations. The IEDs had been planted as part of a "military protest" and a boycott call given by Paresh Baruah, SS C-in-C of ULFA (I). The video warning issued ahead of Independence Day warned of dire consequences for those ignoring the directives.
Baruah buried the IEDs in various areas of Guwahati, including Pan Bazar, Dispur, Gandhi Mandap, and Satgaon. The culprit had been under close watch for several weeks because the police had identified him as one of the prime suspects of collecting and transporting IEDs.
The explosives were expected to cause widespread destruction to property, loss of human lives, and spread terror in all parts of the state.
The NIA took over the investigation on September 17 from Assam police and, through technical and human intelligence, narrowed down to multiple suspects, including Baruah. After following due legal procedure, Baruah was arrested.
Other people involved in the IED conspiracy are being investigated and those responsible will be brought to justice.
ALSO READ:
ALSO WATCH: