Tensions in Assam after BJP leader killed; accused names machete as murder weapon

The recovery of the body triggered protests in Chagalmowa, Bazaricherra and adjoining areas, with incidents of vandalism and arson also being reported.

Tension erupted in Assam’s Sribhumi district after the body of a 52-year-old BJP booth president, who had been missing for nearly 48 hours, was recovered on Friday from Jogichhara near the Assam-Tripura border, police said.

During the investigation, one of the accused allegedly attempted to escape from police custody and attacked a police constable with a sharp object. (Representational/HT Photo/ Raj K Raj)

Six people have been detained in connection with the murder, and one of the accused has admitted during questioning that the BJP leader, identified as Bikash Ranjan Dhar, was allegedly killed with a machete, police said.

Dhar, a resident of Chagalmowa village, went missing on August 12 after leaving his home on a motorcycle. His family later lodged a missing person report after failing to contact him.

“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.

“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.

Age of two key accused revealed

Police have not disclosed the identities of the detained individuals. However, Bhuyan said the two key accused are 24 and 30.

During the investigation, one of the accused allegedly attempted to escape from police custody and attacked a police constable with a sharp object.

“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 recovery of Dhar’s body triggered protests in Chagalmowa, Bazaricherra and adjoining areas, with incidents of vandalism and arson being reported from several locations. Shops were set ablaze, prompting the district administration to impose prohibitory orders under BNSS Section 163, police said, adding that the situation is now under control.