Assam: Youth Detained for Death Threat Against Minister; ULFA-I Link Investigated

GUWAHATI: In a recent development, a 31-year-old youth from Gourisagar, Assam, named Nip Pratim Baruah, has been detained by the police for issuing a death threat against Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora. The threat, posted on a regional news portal's Facebook page by a user named 'Pranash Shandilya,' claimed that an explosive had been planted in the minister's quarters and attributed the act to the banned militant group United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I).

The Assam Director General of Police (DGP), Gyanendra Pratap Singh, took swift action, directing the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to launch a thorough investigation into the matter. Following clear orders, CID officials successfully traced the user behind the threatening social media handle.

The threat, issued on Tuesday in the comments section of a Facebook post, prompted immediate concern. The CID's investigation led them to the location from which the comment was posted, and subsequent raids resulted in the apprehension of Nip Pratim Baruah. The accused, residing in Bamun Moran Gaon village under Gaurisagar Police Station in the Sivasagar district, is now in custody.

Atul Bora, who holds key portfolios such as agriculture, animal husbandry and veterinary, implementation of Assam Accord, border protection, and development in the state government, is also the chief of the regional political party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam.

The seriousness of the threat prompted DGP GP Singh to emphasize that such threats against elected representatives are unacceptable as they pose a threat to democratic principles. The CID has been instructed to initiate criminal proceedings against the user 'Pranash Shandilya' and take lawful action.

The investigation is also delving into the alleged connection to ULFA-I, a proscribed militant organization. This incident highlights the challenges posed by social media in disseminating threats and the imperative for law enforcement to swiftly address such situations to safeguard democratic values.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the authorities are likely to uncover more details about the motive behind the threat and the involvement of any organized militant groups. The case underscores the broader issue of ensuring the safety of elected officials in the face of evolving threats facilitated by digital platforms.

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