In a major breakthrough, the Sivasagar Police have uncovered a chilling plot by the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) to abduct senior officials from the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). The police revealed details of the planned operation during a press conference led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Subhrajyoti Borah, who credited vigilant efforts and timely intervention for thwarting the abduction.
According to SP Borah, the plot had been in development since May 2024, with ONGC official Tahirul Hussain being implicated in providing crucial inside information about the ONGC officials. The police intensified security measures after receiving intelligence on October 5 and October 6, suggesting suspicious individuals were conducting surveillance in Sivasagar.
“Our intelligence sources alerted us about two cars doing a recce on the highways. Security was heightened, and soon, we detained Irshad Latif alias Mithu, who confessed to being part of an elaborate plan by ULFA-I to abduct ONGC officials,” Borah explained.
Based on Latif’s confession, it was revealed that ULFA-I planned to kidnap two to three senior ONGC officials from a rig in the Bakota Nemuguri area on October 6, timed to coincide with a shift change. The abduction was carefully planned with assistance from Rahul Hazarika alias Laden, a former militant from Moran, and Tahirul Hussain, who allegedly provided details about the ONGC officials’ movements.
The plan was disrupted by heightened police presence and security checks around the rig, located near Bakota Nemuguri police station, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their attempt. The police subsequently arrested Irshad Latif and Rahul Hazarika, though Tahirul Hussain and two other accomplices remain at large.
The police are actively searching for Hussain and have informed ONGC about his involvement, urging them to take disciplinary action. “Efforts are underway to locate Hussain, and ONGC has been notified of his role in the abduction plan,” SP Borah added.
During Hazarika’s apprehension, he reportedly attempted to escape custody, leading to an encounter in which police shot him in the leg. Hazarika was transported to Assam Medical College Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh for treatment.
However, Hazarika denies the charges, claiming, “The police told me to run, and when I didn’t, they shot me in the leg. I have not been allowed to contact my parents.”
As investigations continue, the police have registered a case (11/2024) at Nemuguri police station, and efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing.