Silchar: On Sunday, the army detected a powerful bomb planted on a passenger vehicle in Gambhira Ghat locality of Karimganj district, triggering panic among people.
Army sources said that the bomb, an IED, was inside a mini bus which was on its way from Nivia to Gambhira Colony during a regular checking by the Chorgola-based army personnel. The bomb was kept in a packet under the rear seat of the mini bus.
While no passenger of the vehicle claimed ownership of the packet, they were kept stranded at the place till 10 pm for the sake of interrogation. Army personnel also condoned off the area.
Three persons, comprising the driver, cleaner and a passenger of the vehicle, were arrested in this connection. They are being interrogated at Ratabari police station, an official said.
The area in question near the Chatachura hill range is a stronghold of Mizoram’s Bru (Reang) and Tripura-based militants, who are engaged in extortions and kidnappings in this part of Assam over the last decade.
Police and the army are yet to confirm the involvement of persons or groups involved in the incident.