Burdwan Blast: Assam Police Launch Manhunt

GUWAHATI: In the aftermath of the Burdwan blast, the Assam Police have launched a massive manhunt for some 30 people, even as a number of “institutions” and NGOs in the state have come under the scanner of the investigating agencies.

“We’re looking for at least 30 people in connection with the blast case. They include some, who regularly maintained contact with the (jihadi) elements,”  state police chief Khagen Sarma told Express. “I won’t say madrasas but a number of institutions and NGOs are under the scanner. We want to get to the bottom of the case,” he said.

The Bengal Police have shared details of  six persons hailing from Assam, including a doctor couple with their Assamese counterparts. But as the suspects had gone underground, the police were unable to apprehend them despite carrying out  intensive searches.

Acting on a tip-off, the Assam Police had recently arrested six people from the Barpeta district in connection with the blast. They are currently facing interrogation in custody.

Meanwhile, a high alert has been sounded along the India-Bangladesh border following fears that the fugitives may try  to crossover into Bangladesh to evade arrest.

Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura have borders with Bangladesh and parts of the border, including riverine stretches, are still unfenced. “We’re not taking any chances. So, we have sounded a high alert along the international border,” a senior BSF official said.

Meanwhile, a section of Assam’s main Opposition All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has flayed the police for “falsely implicating” the Muslims of the state in the case. Following the police claim, the BJP has demand their arrest.

Headed by perfume baron and Lok Sabha MP, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, the AIUDF had witnessed a spectacular rise in its political fortunes in recent years. And the AIUDF had emerged as the second largest party after the Congress in the 2011 Assembly elections  through polarisation of Muslim votes.

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The New Indian Express
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