Guwahati: Police in Nagaon have arrested six people in connection with violence ahead of the Lok Sabha bypoll in Samaguri.The incident occurred during a Congress election rally on Monday when a scuffle broke out between two groups. Unidentified people allegedly pelted stones at the rally. The bypoll for the Nagaon parliamentary seat is scheduled for Oct 6.Nagaon DC and district election officer Aranyak Saikia said in a statement that an FIR was registered on Monday at Samaguri police station over the incident at Borama bazaar Tiniali under the Samaguri assembly segment in the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency.“On the basis of video footage received from various sources, an investigation was immediately carried out and six persons have been identified as the perpetrators of the incident and were arrested on Tuesday by Nagaon police. Further enquiry is still ongoing to ensure that all persons involved in the incident are dealt with as per law,” Saikia said.He said the district administration would take all measures under the law to ensure a smooth, fair and transparent bypoll.According to officials, Congress leaders and around 1,000 party workers and supporters were proceeding in a procession from Samaguri Tiniali towards Lorimukh via Bajigaon Tiniali. When the procession reached Barma Tiniali, a scuffle broke out between two groups. Stones and eggs were allegedly thrown, and some hit vehicles in the procession. Traffic was briefly disrupted, creating tension in the area.Police and administrative officials intervened and brought the situation under control, officials said.Meanwhile, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) termed the attack “sudden and a completely unforeseen occurrence”. APCC said DC was informed in advance about alleged preparations for the attack and he assured the party that measures were in place to prevent it. Congress alleged BJP backing in the attack.BJP state spokesperson Kishor Kumar Bhattacharyya said, “Congress party’s attempt to hold BJP responsible for the incident is nothing short of absurd. Given that Congress is itself afflicted by recurring internal conflicts and factional rivalries, there is a greater possibility that persons associated with the Congress were involved in the incident.”
