SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has urged his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma to launch an immediate investigation into the alleged murder of a resident of Meghalaya at a rehabilitation facility in Goalpara, Assam.
In a letter sent on Tuesday, CM Sangma provided detailed information to Sarma about the circumstances surrounding one Niksamseng Ch Marak death.
Marak, who was arrested by Assam police on July 2, was found dead two days later in New Life Foundation Centre under suspicious circumstances.
“Marak was arrested by Assam police on July 2. However, two days later, he was found dead in the rehab centre – New Life Foundation Centre, Nayapara, Goalpara, under suspicious circumstances. As informed by his family members, the centre’s authorities initially claimed that it was a case of suicide, but later changed their statement, raising serious concerns about the turn of events,” the letter read.
Chief Minister Sangma detailed the grisly state of Marak’s body, noting severe injuries, including a deep knife cut on the left side of his face, burns, and severe marks on his chin, hips, and legs.
“These prima facie injuries suggest that (L) Niksamseng was subjected to brutal torture, beating, and stabbing inside the rehab centre,” Sangma wrote.
Sangma has requested an immediate investigation into the incident to ensure justice for Marak’s family, who have already lodged an FIR.
Sangma highlighted the need for a thorough inquiry to uncover the truth behind Marak’s death.
“Therefore, in view of the above circumstance, I request you to immediately investigate the incident, which is also desired by the family to bring justice,” the letter concluded.
Earlier, following a complaint lodged by the Achik State People’s Front (ASPF) and Garo Jatiya Parishad (GJP), the police have registered a case bearing number 88/24 under sections 103(1) and 238-3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and arrested 7 individuals in connection with the case.
Jintu Chakravorty (24), the caretaker of the rehab facility, has been charged as the prime suspect and remanded to police custody for further investigation.
The other accused include Prasenjit Nath (23), Hanif Ali (28), Dhanmaina Banikya (38), Mohsen Khan, and Kunal Das (23), all residents of Goalpara.
A minor boy was also arrested in connection with the case and has been shifted to a juvenile centre in Goalpara.
Additionally, one person who was injured is currently undergoing treatment at Goalpara Civil Hospital and is expected to be arrested soon.
Two other accused remain at large. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice, with authorities under pressure to ensure a transparent and swift investigation.
