India, Oct. 26 -- A total of 17 youths have been arrested in Assam's Sribhumi district for allegedly assaulting a Bihu troupe during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession, police said.

The victims allege that the attackers identified themselves as Bajrang Dal members and chanted "Jai Shri Ram" while beating them with sticks. The Bajrang Dal has denied any association with the accused youths.

The officer-in-charge of Sribhumi Sadar Police Station, Taranga Patowari, said the incident took place on the evening of October 23, when Club Hindustan took out a procession with its Durga Puja idol. The club had invited the Bihu troupe to perform as part of the procession.

Some young club members and other local youths allegedly assaulted the pe...