An Assam Police jawan’s private vehicle was allegedly set on fire near the Upper Lampi Battalion Border Out Post in Boko along the Assam-Meghalaya border, prompting a police investigation.
The Maruti Alto, reportedly belonging to Havildar Arvind Roy of the 28th Assam Battalion, was found completely gutted after the fire during the night. The vehicle had reportedly been parked by the roadside near the battalion camp as the poor condition of the approach road made it difficult to take it inside.
Police registered an FIR at the Lampi Border Police Outpost and launched an investigation to determine whether the fire was deliberate or accidental. Police were also examining the possible involvement of miscreants.
A forensic team from Guwahati was sent to the spot to collect evidence and ascertain the cause and manner of the fire. Senior police officials were also expected to visit the area to assess the situation.
Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Executive Member Arjun Chettri condemned the incident and called for stringent action against those responsible. He said the incident was particularly concerning given the sensitivity of the Assam-Meghalaya border.
Chettri also referred to recent tensions in Shillong and questioned the continued recognition of the Khasi Students’ Union as a students’ organisation, while urging the Centre to declare the outfit a banned organisation. His remarks came in the context of the ongoing tensions along the inter-State border.
He said incidents of tension had occurred in the Lampi area over the years and stressed the need for stronger security measures. Chettri appealed to the Assam Government and residents to take the incident seriously and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The circumstances surrounding the vehicle fire and the identity of those responsible remained under investigation.
