The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two more individuals in connection with an IED conspiracy case linked to the banned militant group United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), or ULFA(I). The arrests were made on July 17 and the accused have been identified as Bhargob Gogoi and Sumu Gogoi, both residents of Dibrugarh, Assam.
According to the NIA, the two were involved in a larger plot to carry out multiple blasts across Assam during the Independence Day celebrations in August last year. One of the explosive devices was discovered near the Dispur Last Gate area in Guwahati. The agency stated that the intent behind the conspiracy was to create terror and threaten the sovereignty and security of the country.
These arrests bring the total number of people taken into custody in this case to three. The investigation into the case was initially handled by local police and later handed over to the NIA in September 2024. The NIA had already filed charges against ULFA(I) chief Paresh Baruah and other operatives for their alleged involvement in orchestrating the plot.
The ULFA(I), a separatist group seeking an independent Assam, has been responsible for several terror-related activities in the past. Its leader, Paresh Baruah, is believed to be operating from outside India and continues to lead the group despite government crackdowns.
The recent arrests come amid heightened security measures in the state, particularly in the run-up to national events such as Independence Day. Authorities have been on high alert, and multiple arrests have been made in recent weeks to prevent any disruption or terror activities by insurgent groups in the region.
