False Alarm at ULFA Chief's Home: Firecrackers Mistaken for Gunfire in Assam
In the early hours of Monday, the quiet village of Chabua in Dibrugarh district was jolted by reports of firing at the ancestral home of Ulfa (I) commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah. However, what initially sent shockwaves through the community turned out to be a false alarm, as police quickly clarified the incident.
Police Investigation Reveals Truth
Dibrugarh police, led by ASP (crime) Atul Kumar, investigated the scene at Jerai Gaon in Chabua and determined that the loud bangs were not gunshots but firecrackers. According to official statements, a group of youths celebrating a birthday nearby burst two sky-rocket firecrackers at approximately 12:04 am and 12:05 am, about 150 meters from the Baruah residence. The sharp, successive sounds were mistaken for gunfire by family members inside the house.
CCTV footage captured the flash of the fireworks, and the youths' own video of the celebration corroborated the police findings. Bipul Baruah (63), Paresh Baruah's younger brother, who lives at the property with his wife and son, reported being woken by his son after hearing the loud noises. He checked the security cameras but found nothing conclusive initially.
Security Response and Historical Context
The four-member Assam Police security team—comprising three armed guards and a personal security officer—was immediately alerted, and Chabua police were informed. A thorough search of the premises revealed no shell casings or bullet marks, confirming the false alarm. The family's concern was understandable, given the property's violent history. The ancestral home has been attacked twice before, making such incidents particularly alarming.
The first attack occurred on December 5, 2000, causing extensive damage to the house, though no injuries were reported. Empty AK-47 and 12-bore cartridges were recovered from the site, prompting the then Congress government under Tarun Gogoi to sanction police protection for the family.
The second, more brazen assault took place on May 6, 2003, when around 15 armed gunmen opened fire on the house for nearly five minutes. The guards retaliated, and the attackers fled, leaving behind 43 empty cartridges. In response, security measures were significantly enhanced, including the construction of two watchtowers and a six-foot concrete boundary wall, with the security detail increased to eight personnel.
Living Under Constant Threat
Bipul Baruah shared insights into the family's ongoing struggles, stating, "Our family has lived under constant threat since 1990. The walls still bear AK-47 bullet marks from past attacks. The number of guards has changed over the years—now down to four—but the danger remains." He recounted a tragic incident from 1994 when his younger brother Dinesh Baruah was abducted by unidentified gunmen and later found dead with bullet wounds.
Assam Police have provided continuous security at the residence for the past 26 years, highlighting the persistent risks associated with the property due to its connection to the ULFA leader. This latest false alarm underscores the heightened vigilance and emotional toll on the family, who remain on edge despite improved protections.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex security challenges in Assam, where historical conflicts and ongoing tensions can lead to such misunderstandings. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activities promptly to prevent similar false alarms in the future.
