Tensions gripped Assam’s Sribhumi district after the body of a 52-year-old BJP booth president, who had been missing for nearly two days, was recovered near the Assam-Tripura border on Friday. The discovery triggered protests and incidents of vandalism and arson in several areas, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation.
The deceased, identified as Bikash Ranjan Dhar, was a resident of Chagalmowa village. According to police, Dhar went missing on August 12 after leaving his residence on a motorcycle. His family subsequently approached the police and filed a missing-person report when they were unable to establish contact with him.
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Police later recovered his body from near a pond at Jogichhara on Friday morning.
Six detained in murder investigation
Police have detained six people in connection with the case, including two individuals suspected of having a direct role in the alleged murder.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Trinayan Bhuyan said investigators began tracing Dhar after receiving the missing-person complaint. His call records reportedly helped police identify and track the suspected accused.
Preliminary investigation indicates that personal enmity may have been behind the killing, although police said the investigation remains underway.
During questioning, one of the detained suspects allegedly told investigators that Dhar was killed using a machete.
Police have not yet released the identities of the accused. However, officials confirmed that the two principal suspects are aged 24 and 30.
Accused allegedly attacks policeman while trying to flee
The investigation took a further turn when one of the accused allegedly attempted to escape from police custody and attacked a police constable with a sharp weapon.
According to police, officers opened fire after the suspect allegedly attacked one of their personnel while attempting to flee. The accused sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg before being overpowered and taken back into custody.
Protests erupt after body is recovered
The recovery of Dhar’s body led to protests in Chagalmowa, Bazaricherra and neighbouring areas. Several incidents of vandalism and arson were reported, with shops reportedly being set ablaze in some locations.
In view of the unrest, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Police said the situation has since been brought under control, while security personnel remain deployed to prevent any further disturbance.
The circumstances surrounding Dhar’s death, the exact motive and the alleged involvement of the detained suspects are being investigated. Police are also examining the evidence gathered from the crime scene and the accused persons as part of the ongoing probe.
(Inputs from Hindustan Times)
Edited by: Moonmoon Borah
