SRIBHUMI |  Four more people have been arrested in connection with the alleged attack on a Bihu troupe in Assam’s Sribhumi district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 17, police said on Monday.

“Further investigation is underway. Sribhumi Police remains committed to upholding the law, safeguarding citizens’ rights and ensuring peace and harmony,” the district police said in a statement.

The arrests follow an incident during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession, where a Bihu troupe invited to perform at the programme was allegedly attacked by a group of people. Several performers were reportedly injured, while traditional musical instruments were damaged.

Earlier, Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh had confirmed that 13 people had been arrested. A case was registered at Sribhumi police station, and the arrested individuals were produced before a court. Police had also said they were working to identify and apprehend other people allegedly involved in the incident.

The case drew sharp reactions from political leaders and cultural organisations, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directing the police to take immediate action. Sarma, who also holds the Home portfolio, said attempts to insult Assam’s cultural identity and heritage would not be tolerated and instructed the state police chief to ensure prompt action.

Union Minister and former Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal also condemned the alleged assault, stressing that Bihu occupies a central place in Assamese society and that attacks on artistes or hostility towards the state’s cultural heritage were unacceptable.

All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) president Utpal Sarma described the incident as unforgivable, particularly the alleged assault on performers and damage to traditional instruments such as the dhol and pepa. He called for swift and exemplary action against those responsible.

With the number of arrests rising to 17, police said the investigation remained underway. The circumstances of the alleged attack and the roles of those accused are subject to the ongoing investigation.