Bokakhat CRPF Blast: Two Detained; Poaching, Drug Link Probed

Two individuals have been detained for questioning after a grenade explosion rocked the CRPF camp at Panbari Nigam in Bokakhat late Tuesday night. A forensic team is expected to visit the site today to assist with the investigation, which has now shifted focus from extremist activity to the possible involvement of poachers or drug traffickers.

Preliminary findings have ruled out the hand of any extremist group in the attack, steering suspicion toward illegal wildlife or narcotics networks operating in the region.

The blast left three personnel of the 11th Assam Police Battalion seriously injured. The victims, Siddhartha Borbora, Sushil Bhumij, and Mintu Hazarika, were admitted to Bokakhat Civil Hospital for treatment.

Speaking to the media, SP Rajen Singh ruled out the involvement of extremist groups. Instead, he hinted at the possibility that frustrated poachers or local criminals might have been behind the attack. He cited the recent crackdown on wildlife and narcotics crime in the region as a possible motive.

Golaghat police have intensified their operations in recent months, arresting over 50 poachers, conducting two encounter operations, and recovering several arms, including AK-47 and AK-56 rifles. Their efforts have also thwarted more than 10 attempts at rhino poaching. In addition, the police have taken a strong stance against drug networks in the district. Authorities believe this sustained pressure may have provoked a retaliatory act from the underworld.

Though the exact cause and perpetrators behind the blast are yet to be confirmed, SP Singh stated that investigations are progressing rapidly, and he is hopeful of a breakthrough soon.

Cabinet Minister Atul Bora also visited the injured personnel at the hospital and assured them of the government's support. He reiterated the Assam government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and criminal activities under Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership.

Personnel on duty at the camp told the press that had the explosion occurred under normal circumstances, it could have resulted in heavy casualties. The blast not only injured Assam Police personnel but also caused damage to nearby civilian homes, uprooting furniture and destroying cooking items. Local residents, unaccustomed to such violence, have been left shaken and are now living in fear and anxiety.

The incident triggered a high alert across the area, with security forces, led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), launching an intensive manhunt to trace those responsible. Initial reports suggest the grenade was likely hurled from a moving motorcycle toward the camp, prompting an immediate and heightened security response.

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