Sonitpur (Assam) [India], July 22 (HBTV): In a major breakthrough, Sonitpur district police arrested seven individuals and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition during an operation along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, an official said.

According to police, the arrests were made while the suspects were allegedly attempting to form a new armed organisation. The operation, conducted from Sunday night till Monday morning, also led to the destruction of a makeshift camp.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Sonitpur district, Barun Purkayastha, stated at a press conference in Tezpur on Monday that the operation was launched based on a secret tip-off. Sonitpur police, in coordination with Dhekiajuli police and CRPF commandos, carried out the raid in Rowonchandri village near Thaula Centre in the Batashipur area, close to the Assam-Arunachal border.

During the search operations at two locations in the village, authorities recovered two 7.65 mm pistols, 16 rounds of ammunition, two walkie-talkie sets, and five mobile phones.

The initial arrests included Gabra Basumatary of Majbat in Udalguri district, Rohit Basumatary of Dhekiajuli, and Akheb Basumatary of Arunbari. Interrogation of the trio led to the identification of further suspects.

Subsequently, with assistance from Kamrup district police, Rubul Boro alias Pandek was arrested from Amingaon in Guwahati, and Anchola Islary was apprehended from Runikhata in Chirang with help from Chirang police.

SP Purkayastha revealed that the interrogation indicated Rubul Boro and Anchola Islary were involved in forming a new armed outfit with plans for criminal activities.

Acting on additional leads, police arrested two more individuals—Chang Narzari of Bentol, Chirang, and Philip Basumatary of Runikhata, Chirang—from an improvised camp in Dheraibil, near the Chapai River at the base of the Arunachal hills.

From that site, police recovered two handmade rifles, two khukris (traditional knives), two mobile phones, two torches, and a stockpile of rice, pulses, and other food items.

‘So far, seven individuals have been arrested. Recovered items include two 7.65 mm pistols, 16 rounds of ammunition, two handmade rifles, ammunition for the rifles, two walkie-talkie sets, seven mobile phones, two khukris, and two torches. The arrested individuals have a history of criminal activity,’ the SSP said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.

Police suspect more individuals may be connected to the case and have launched further efforts to trace and apprehend them.

(ANI)