Pro-talk ULFA leader Mrinal Hazarika, who was arrested by the Panbazar Police in connection with the killing of five people at Dhola in Tinsukia district, was sent to 14-day judicial custody here on Friday afternoon.
Hazarika was produced in the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM)’s court here following his arrest at Panbazar police station.
Although police sought five-day custody of Hazarika, the Kamrup CJM sent him to judicial custody for 14 days. Earlier in the day, the Panbazar police detained pro-talk ULFA leader Hazarika on the suspicion of his role in the massacre.
Hazarika has been in news for the last few days for his strong rhetoric against NDA’s move to implement the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. Pro-talk ULFA leader Jiten Dutta was also detained on Friday morning at Gaurisagar in Sivasagar district.
Dutta was picked up around 11 am when he was on his way to Tinsukia from Guwahati, officials said. He is now being taken to Guwahati for questioning.
Hundreds of people protested in Digboi and Gaurisagar demanding the immediate release of Hazarika and Dutta.
Activists of Lachit Sena and other organizations blocked NH-37 in front of Gaurisagar Police station. The activists also demanded immediate arrest of MLA Siladitya Deb for his inflammatory statements. The blockade was lifted after top police officials invited the activists of the outfit for discussion.
On the other hand, in Digboi members of several organisations staged blockade on NH-38 demanding unconditional release of Dutta and Hazarika.