Tension spread across Assam’s Sribhumi district after the body of a 52-year-old BJP booth president was recovered on Friday, nearly 48 hours after he went missing. Police found the body near a pond in Jogichhara, close to the Assam-Tripura border. The deceased was identified as Bikash Ranjan Dhar, a resident of Chagalmowa village. Police have detained six people in connection with the suspected murder.
BJP Leader Went Missing on August 12
Dhar reportedly left his home on a motorcycle on August 12. His family became concerned after they could not contact him. They later filed a missing person complaint with the police. Investigators began tracing his movements and examined his call records as part of the search.
“His body was found near a pond in Jogichhara on Friday morning, and we have so far apprehended six persons, including two directly involved in the alleged murder,” said additional superintendent of police (crime) Trinayan Bhuyan.
Police Suspect Personal Enmity
Police said their initial investigation indicates that personal rivalry may have been behind the killing. “Based on the complaint, we started tracing him and followed his call records, which led the investigators to the accused persons. Preliminary findings suggest that the murder was the result of personal enmity,” a senior police officer said.
Police have not yet revealed the identities of the six detained individuals.
Accused Allegedly Confesses to Machete Attack
According to police, one of the accused admitted during questioning that Dhar was allegedly killed with a machete. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the killing and the possible involvement of the other detained suspects. Police said two of the accused are considered key suspects in the case.
Ages of Two Key Suspects Revealed
Although the police have withheld the names of those detained, Bhuyan said the two main accused are aged 24 and 30. Investigators are questioning the suspects to establish the sequence of events leading to Dhar’s death. Police are also examining other evidence collected during the investigation.
Accused Injured After Attacking Policeman
The investigation took another turn when one of the accused allegedly tried to escape from police custody. According to police, the suspect also attacked a constable with a sharp object during the attempted escape.
“The accused tried to flee during the investigation and attacked one of our personnel. Police opened fire, injuring him in the left leg, before he was overpowered and taken back into custody,” Bhuyan said. The injured suspect was subsequently brought back under police custody.
Protests Erupt After Body Recovery
The discovery of Dhar’s body led to protests in Chagalmowa, Bazaricherra and nearby areas. The protests reportedly turned violent, with incidents of vandalism and arson reported from several locations. Some shops were set on fire during the unrest, increasing tensions in the area.
Administration Imposes Prohibitory Orders
In response to the violence, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The restrictions were introduced to prevent further violence and maintain public order. Police said the situation has since come under control.
Investigation Into BJP Leader’s Death Continues
Police are continuing their investigation into Dhar’s death. The authorities are questioning the detained suspects and examining evidence to determine the exact circumstances of the alleged murder.
While the preliminary investigation points towards personal enmity, police have not indicated that the killing was linked to Dhar’s political activities.
The recovery of the BJP leader’s body and the violence that followed have heightened tensions in parts of Sribhumi district, even as authorities work to maintain peace and complete the investigation.