Mob Attacks Assam Cops, Frees Man Held Over Pro-Pahalgam Posts; 10 Arrested

Bongalmora: About 10 people were arrested by Assam's Lakhimpur police on Monday for their involvement in a mob attack on officers while trying to arrest a man accused of posting content in support of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The mob overpowered the police and freed the accused before officers could take him into custody.

The accused, Baharul Islam, was being taken into custody when the crowd intervened and forced police to release him, officials said.

Why was the man being arrested?

Police said Islam was wanted for sharing social media posts that appeared to support the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed. Authorities registered a case against him earlier this year, but he went underground to evade arrest.

Acting on fresh intelligence, a team from Bihpuria police station tracked him to Sonapur in Bongalmora and took him into custody on December 27. But trouble erupted as officers prepared to take him back to the station.

How did the attack unfold?

More than ten people suddenly gathered at the spot, police said. The crowd assaulted the officers, injuring Sub-Inspector Gokul Joyshree and the vehicle driver seriously and causing minor injuries to others. Amid the chaos, the mob freed Islam, and he managed to escape.

Senior Superintendent of Police Gunendra Deka described the assault as premeditated and identified Atabur Rahman as the main conspirator.

Who has been arrested?

Following the attack, police launched follow-up operations. On Monday, ten people were arrested in connection with the assault and rescue. They include Afazuddin, Ikramul Hussain, Fakhruddin Ahmed, Noor Hussain, Gulzar Hussain, Nazrul Haque, Kazimuddin, Mohammed Abdul Hamid, Bilal Hussain and Atabur Rahman. Several are said to have prior criminal records, officials added.

Is the freed man still at large?

Deka confirmed that Baharul Islam, who had earlier been arrested in a separate fake gold case, is now on the run again. Officers said efforts are underway to trace and re-arrest him.