SIVASAGAR: Assam Police has intensified its investigation into the death of Bir Lachit Sena leader Manasjyoti Chetia in Sivasagar’s Bihubar, with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Five of the 10 people named in a complaint filed by the organisation have so far been detained for questioning, police said.
Chetia died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment following an incident reported in Bihubar on August 23. The Bir Lachit Sena has questioned the circumstances preceding his death and demanded a detailed investigation.
Police initially detained Abidur Rahman and Selima Begum, followed by Subera Begum, Selimur Rahman and Anwara Begum. The remaining five people named in the complaint are Habibur Rahman, Sujabul Rahman, Subhashin Islam, Murjida Begum and Mojminka Begum.
A case was registered at Bihubar Police Station under Case No. 10/26 and Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
KJ Saikia, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Eastern Range, was travelling to Bihubar to oversee the investigation. DIG AP Headquarters Dr Robin Kumar, IPS, along with a forensic team, also proceeded from Guwahati to Sivasagar.
The SIT is examining the events preceding Chetia’s death and allegations raised by the organisation.
According to the Bir Lachit Sena, Chetia had been involved in relief work among flood-affected families since July 19 and had left on August 23 to distribute essential items among affected families and at several Namghars.
The organisation also alleged that Chetia had intervened in a land dispute in Bihubar on August 22 and was subjected to a pre-planned attack while attempting to mediate. It alleged a link between the dispute and his death.
Police are investigating the allegations and are yet to establish the exact sequence of events or determine whether the death was connected to the dispute.
Chetia’s body was recovered around 10.30 pm on August 23. He was taken for treatment but died on August 25.
Following his death, Bir Lachit Sena members and supporters took his body towards the organisation’s office in Sivasagar while demanding justice. Tension was reportedly witnessed between members and police personnel during the movement.
The organisation declared Chetia a martyr, while preparations for his last rites were being made at Rohdoi Pukhuri in Rupahi Pathar in Nazira.
The SIT, senior police officers and forensic personnel are examining the evidence to determine the circumstances leading to Chetia’s death and whether criminal liability was involved.
