Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today condemned the incident of stone-throwing on the Australian cricket team's bus returning to their hotel from the Barsapara Stadium here after the second T-20 match.
Sonowal in a statement said the incident was unfortunate and strict action would be taken against the culprits.
"It was an act to tarnish Guwahati's reputation as an emerging sports hub. We strongly condemn it and investigation is on. It was done to defame Assam and derail the state's journey towards excellence. We'll foil the evil design with the support of the people of Assam," he said.
The chief minister referred to an appreciation letter from Roma Khanna, Head of Venue Operation, FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 on the security arrangements for the international sports events in the state.
Khanna had expressed gratitude to the Assam government for the security and facilities provided to the international teams and had said it set a benchmark for other events of this stature India might host in the future.
Sonowal directed Assam DGP Mukesh Sahay to nab the culprits at the earliest. He also directed the Chief Secretary V K Pipersenia to order an inquiry into the incident and submit the report to him.
Meanwhile, following the direction of the chief minister, a team comprising state Sports Minister Naba Kumar Doley, chief secretary and DGP called on the Australian players to express the state government's concern and informed the measures taken after the incident.
The chief minister said, "Yesterday, we witnessed a spectacular game and great display of sportsman spirit by the audience."
Australian player Aaron Finch had tweeted late last night it was pretty scary having a rock "thrown through the team bus window on the way back to the hotel".
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