Guwahati: Tension prevailed in 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, police said on Saturday.
The deceased, identified as Bikash Ranjan Dhar of Chagalmowa village, went missing on August 12 after leaving his home on a motorcycle. His family later filed a missing person complaint after failing to contact him.
Police recovered Dhar’s body from an area near a pond at Jogichhara on Friday after tracing his call records during the investigation.
Six Detained in Murder Case
Police have detained six people in connection with the murder, including two alleged key suspects aged 24 and 30.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Trinayan Bhuyan said preliminary investigation indicated that the killing was linked to personal enmity.
One of the detained suspects allegedly confessed during questioning that Dhar was killed with a machete, police said.
“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.
Suspect Injured After Alleged Attack on Constable
The investigation took another turn when one of the suspects allegedly attempted to escape from police custody and attacked a constable with a sharp object.
Police opened fire during the incident, injuring the accused in the left leg before overpowering him and taking him back into custody, Bhuyan said.
Police have not yet disclosed the identities of the six detained persons.
Protests, Arson Reported After Body Recovered
The recovery of Dhar’s body triggered protests in Chagalmowa, Bazaricherra and adjoining areas.
Police said incidents of vandalism and arson were reported at several locations, with shops allegedly being set on fire during the unrest.
In view of the situation, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent further escalation.
Authorities said the situation has since been brought under control. The investigation into Dhar’s murder and the circumstances that led to the subsequent violence is continuing.