Assam: Former ULFA-I cadre 'Laden' shot in encounter, failed abduction plot revealed

A foiled abduction plot targeting high-ranking ONGC officials in Sivasagar has come to light following police raids and arrests. The Sivasagar Superintendent of Police, Subhrajyoti Bora, disclosed details at a press conference, revealing that the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) had been planning the abduction since May 2024. The plan aimed to abduct two or more senior officials from an ONGC rig in Bokota on October 6.

The intricate scheme reportedly involved ONGC assistant engineer Tahirul Hussain, who allegedly provided sensitive information about the officials working at the rig. Police investigations led to the arrest of key suspects, including SULFA member Rahul Hazarika, also known as Laden, and Irshad Latif, alias Mithu. During police interrogations, it was revealed that the abduction plan was set to be executed between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm on October 6.

According to the investigation, the suspects had prepared extensively for the operation. On October 5, Sulfa member Laden established a temporary camp at Tahirul's residence in preparation for the abduction. The following morning, the group, along with four ULFA cadres, traveled in an Inva car from the Assam-Nagaland border near Charaideo. They patrolled along National Highway 37 in Sivasagar throughout the day, awaiting the scheduled time to carry out the kidnapping. However, the plot was thwarted before it could materialize.

The police launched an operation on Tuesday, raiding the residences of Tahirul Hussain and Irshad Latif, seizing various incriminating materials linked to the abduction plan. Following the raids, Rahul Hazarika was apprehended in Maran. During an attempted transfer to the targeted rig in Bakta for further investigation, Hazarika suffered a leg injury and has been referred to Dibrugarh Medical College for treatment.

Meanwhile, Tahirul Hussain remains at large, with police actively searching for him. A formal case related to the incident has been registered at the Nemuguri police station, and the investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to uncover further details about the plot and the involvement of other potential suspects.

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