SHILLONG: The bodies of three residents of Assam’s Goalpara, which were recovered by East Garo Hills (EGH) police from within a dense jungle in the district on Wednesday, have been handed over to their families in Dolgoma village.
According to a press statement released by the Meghalaya Police, the deceased youths—identified as Jamor Ali (35), Noor Ahmed, and Zahidul Islam (25)—had a history of involvement in criminal activities specifically car lifting and cattle theft in various locations of Assam.
Superintendent of Police, East Garo Hills, SA Rynjah said that preliminary investigation suggests a case of criminal rivalry among groups involved in car theft and cattle rustling and they have registered a case under Rongjeng PS for further scrutiny.
On Wednesday, the families of the deceased reported them missing after a distressing call from Jamor Ali, mentioning they were having breakfast in a jungle area in Garo Hills. Following this, all communication ceased as their mobile phones were switched off, leaving the families anxious.
Prompt police action led to the discovery of their missing vehicle concealed in a dense jungle near Rogu Alda village. Further inspection revealed a freshly dug pit nearby, prompting the involvement of the State Police’s Forensic Team and Crime Scene Unit (CSU) for investigation.
Under the supervision of an Executive Magistrate, the pit was dug and three charred bodies were recovered. Of the three, Zahidul Islam and Jamor Ali had past involvements in criminal activities and cases are registered against them in Krishnai and Matia police stations in Assam, respectively, the police added.
This marks the third incident of fatalities in the state since March 16, the day the Lok Sabha poll schedule was announced, bringing the total number of deaths during this period to six.
While these incidents are not inherently political, authorities are conducting investigations to ascertain if any of them have political links.
On March 27, two individuals lost their lives in Ichamati, East Khasi Hills, amid an anti-CAA protest. Additionally, on April 10, a tragic incident unfolded as a daily wage worker was assaulted and killed within the premises of a private residence in Shillong’s Mawlai Mawroh.
