The Bihu troupe attack in Assam’s Sribhumi district has led to four more arrests, bringing the total number of people arrested in the case to 17. Police confirmed the latest action on October 26, 2026, as the investigation into the alleged assault continued.
The incident took place during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession where a Bihu troupe had been invited to perform. Several artists reportedly suffered injuries, while traditional musical instruments were allegedly damaged. The incident has drawn strong reactions from political leaders and cultural organisations across Assam.
Bihu Troupe Attack: Four More Arrested
Sribhumi Police arrested four additional suspects in connection with the alleged assault, following the arrest of 13 people earlier in the case. The latest arrests bring the total to 17, according to police updates reported on Monday.
The four newly arrested individuals were identified in media reports as Sumit Kumar Das, Arnab Kumar Roy, Priyanshu Pal and Priyanshu Das. Authorities are investigating the alleged involvement of those accused.
Earlier, Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh confirmed that police had registered a case at Sribhumi Police Station. The initial group of 13 arrested individuals was produced before a court.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that the first 13 accused were granted bail. However, the subsequent arrests have taken the total number of people arrested in the case to 17.
Police have said that further investigation is underway. Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify anyone else allegedly involved.
How the Bihu Troupe Attack Unfolded
The alleged Bihu troupe attack occurred during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession in Sribhumi town on October 23 or 24, according to differing reports. The troupe had been invited to perform during the celebrations organised by Hindustan Club.
Reports said a confrontation began after members of a group allegedly objected to Assamese songs being played during the programme. The disagreement reportedly escalated into violence against the performers.
Several troupe members sustained injuries during the alleged assault. Reports also said that traditional instruments, including the dhol and pepa, were damaged.
However, investigators must establish the precise sequence of events and the role of each accused person. Allegations concerning the motive for the confrontation and damage to the instruments should not be treated as established findings while the investigation continues.
The incident has also drawn attention to the safety of artists performing at public events. Cultural programmes often bring together people from different communities, making proper security and peaceful coordination important.
Bihu Troupe Attack Prompts Strong Reactions
The incident prompted Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to condemn the alleged assault and direct the state police chief to take immediate action against those responsible.
Sarma said an attack on Bihu performers was deeply disturbing. He also stressed that Assam would not tolerate insults to its cultural identity and heritage.
Following the chief minister’s direction, police intensified their action in the case. The arrests reflect the ongoing investigation, although the allegations against the accused remain subject to legal proceedings.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also condemned the incident. He said Bihu holds a central place in Assamese society and described violence against artists or hostility towards the state’s cultural heritage as unacceptable.
Moreover, the incident sparked concern among student organisations. The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) president, Utpal Sarma, criticised the alleged assault and called for swift and exemplary action against those responsible.
The reactions highlighted the importance of protecting performers and ensuring that cultural events remain peaceful. However, the investigation must establish individual responsibility based on evidence.
Police Investigation Continues in Sribhumi
Police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation into the alleged Bihu troupe attack. The authorities are examining the circumstances of the confrontation and pursuing leads to determine whether other people were involved.
Director General of Police Harmeet Singh confirmed the initial arrests and said the investigation was underway. Subsequent arrests have raised the total to 17, marking a further development in the case.
Meanwhile, the incident has attracted wider public attention after videos of the alleged assault circulated on social media. The footage and reports of injuries have intensified calls for accountability.
The legal process will determine the outcome of the allegations against those arrested. Until then, the accused are entitled to due process under the law.
Bihu Troupe Attack Raises Cultural Safety Concerns
The Bihu troupe attack has renewed calls to protect artists and safeguard Assam’s cultural traditions. Bihu is closely associated with Assamese identity, music and dance, making the reported assault particularly concerning for cultural groups across the state.
Furthermore, the incident has underlined the need for peaceful coordination during public celebrations. Organisers and authorities must ensure that performers can participate without fear of violence or intimidation.
Overall, the arrest of four additional suspects brings the total to 17 as of October 26. Police have yet to complete their investigation, and further action will depend on the evidence gathered.
The next steps in the case will be important in establishing accountability and clarifying the circumstances of the alleged assault. Authorities have stated that the investigation remains ongoing.
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