The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday recovered a live improvised explosive device (IED) in Assam’s Lakhimpur district, according to an official statement. The explosive, planted by ULFA (I) terrorists as part of a conspiracy to disrupt this year’s Independence Day celebrations, was found early in the morning and later defused by Assam Police’s Bomb Disposal Squad.
The discovery came as part of the NIA’s investigation into a previous case where IEDs were recovered from North Lakhimpur on August 15. The Assam Police had initiated action after ULFA (I) leader Paresh Baruah released a video calling for a ‘military’ protest and a public boycott of Independence Day, threatening severe repercussions for non-compliance.
NIA took over the investigation from state police on September 17 and revealed that ULFA (I) leaders coordinated the placement of multiple IEDs across Assam to instill terror and protest the Independence Day celebrations. The probe identified Girish Baruah, alias Gautam Baruah, and his associates as key figures in orchestrating the movement and placement of the explosives in North Lakhimpur.
Baruah was traced and arrested in Bengaluru on September 24. Under interrogation, he disclosed the location of the still-live IED, which was promptly recovered. He further revealed that the IEDs were arranged and planted under instructions from ULFA (I) leaders Aishang Asom, alias Abhiit Gogoi, and others.
This critical recovery highlights ongoing efforts to mitigate the terror threat in Assam and safeguard public safety during national celebrations.
