Clarification on Gunfire Reports Near ULFA-I Chief's Residence in Assam
Police Investigate Sounds Near Paresh Baruah's Home
ULFA-I chief Paresh Baruah's residence in Dibruagarh's Chabua. (AT Photo)
Guwahati, Apr 13: Authorities reported on Monday that the sounds initially interpreted as gunfire near the home of Paresh Baruah, the commander-in-chief of the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), were actually celebratory 'skyshots' fired during a nearby birthday party.
This clarification followed claims from family members who suggested that unidentified individuals had fired shots at Baruah's residence in Jeraigaon, Chabua, shortly after midnight on Sunday.
Reports indicated that at least two shots were heard, raising alarms about a potential security threat.
However, a senior police official stated that an initial investigation revealed a group of young people had discharged celebratory shots approximately 150 meters away from the residence.
“Our investigation indicates that some youths fired skyshots around 12:04 am and 12:05 am, celebrating a birthday and recording a video. The family seems to have misinterpreted the sounds as gunfire,” the officer explained.
Police also reviewed CCTV footage from the residence, confirming that the timing of the flashes corresponded with the reported sounds.
“We verified that the timing of the skyshots and the flashes captured align. Further inquiries are ongoing,” the official added.
Earlier, family members expressed doubts about the incident not being recorded on CCTV and questioned how such an event could occur despite the presence of security personnel.
A security guard stationed at the location noted that the shots seemed to originate from a distance, and no cartridges were found, which initially raised suspicions of a targeted attack.
The residence is under the protection of Assam Police, including a personal security officer, who are assigned in shifts.
This incident gained additional attention as it occurred just two days after ULFA-I’s self-proclaimed major general Arunoday Dohotia, also known as Bijit Baruah, returned to the area after reportedly leaving militant camps in Myanmar.
Sources indicated that similar shooting incidents had been reported near the residence in 2000 and 2001. Police are continuing their verification efforts.