Silchar: Police arrested a Bihu troupe member for allegedly calling Bengali-speaking residents of Barak Valley “Bangladeshis” in a viral video.Prandhan Baruah, a resident of Bargul village under Badarpur police station in Sribhumi district, was arrested on Saturday night following complaints by several organisations. He was later released on a personal bond, sources said.Baruah was reportedly part of the 11-member Bihu troupe allegedly assaulted during a Durga idol immersion procession in Sribhumi on Oct 23. His alleged remarks targeting Bengali-speaking residents triggered resentment across Cachar, Sribhumi and Hailakandi.Several organisations accused him of attempting to incite communal tension and demanded his arrest. Police registered a case at Badarpur police station.On Sunday, sections of Sribhumi residents observed a symbolic “Dark Diwali” from 6 pm to 7 pm, switching off lights and refraining from celebrations. Protesters alleged indiscriminate arrests and police harassment after the Oct 23 clash.The controversy began after the troupe was allegedly assaulted during an immersion procession organised by Hindustan Club. Several performers reportedly suffered injuries.CM Himanta Biswa Sarma later directed police to act against those involved. Around 20 people were arrested, prompting protests by residents and relatives of the accused, who alleged that innocent youths were implicated.Police appealed for peace and communal harmony and urged people not to circulate provocative or misleading content. Authorities warned of legal action against those spreading inflammatory messages capable of disturbing public order.
