SIT Probes Chetia Death in Sivasagar; Five of 10 Named in Complaint Detained

Assam Police have stepped up the investigation into the death of Bir Lachit Sena leader Manasjyoti Chetia in Sivasagar’s Bihubar, with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. Five of the 10 people named in a complaint filed by the organisation have so far been detained for questioning.

Chetia died on August 25 while undergoing treatment, two days after an incident was reported in Bihubar. The Bir Lachit Sena has raised questions over the events leading to his death and called for a thorough investigation.

Police initially detained Abidur Rahman and Selima Begum. Subera Begum, Selimur Rahman and Anwara Begum were later taken into custody for questioning in connection with the case.

The organisation’s Sivasagar district committee had named 10 people in its complaint, filed by chief secretary Anupam Sandikoi. The complaint names Abidur Rahman, Selimur Rahman, Habibur Rahman, Sujabul Rahman, Subhashin Islam, Murjida Begum, Selima Begum, Mojminka Begum, Anwara Begum and Subera Begum. Five of them have so far been detained, while the remaining aspects of the investigation are continuing.

A case has been registered at Bihubar Police Station as Case No. 10/26 under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The probe has also been placed under the supervision of senior police officials. KJ Saikia, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Eastern Range, is travelling to Bihubar to monitor the investigation. DIG AP Headquarters Dr Robin Kumar, IPS, along with a forensic team, has also proceeded from Guwahati to Sivasagar.

The SIT is examining the events preceding the incident, the circumstances that led to Chetia’s death and the allegations raised by the organisation.

According to the Bir Lachit Sena, Chetia had been engaged in relief activities for flood-affected families since July 19. The organisation said he had gone out on August 23 to distribute essential supplies among flood victims and at several Namghars.

The organisation has also alleged that Chetia had intervened in a land dispute in Bihubar on August 22, a day before the incident. It claimed that he was attacked in a pre-planned manner while attempting to mediate the dispute.

Central leader Shrinkhal Chaliha alleged that the dispute involved a family whose house had been destroyed by floods. He said the family had taken shelter at a petrol station during the floods and later encountered difficulties in returning to their land.

The Bir Lachit Sena has claimed that the land dispute may have been linked to Chetia’s death. However, police are still investigating the allegation and have not established whether the dispute was connected to his death or determined the complete sequence of events.

Chetia’s body was reportedly recovered around 10.30 pm on August 23. He was subsequently taken for medical treatment but died on August 25.

Following his death, Bir Lachit Sena members and supporters carried his body towards the organisation’s office in Sivasagar while demanding justice. Tension was reportedly witnessed between members of the organisation and police personnel during the procession.

The organisation has declared Chetia a martyr. His last rites were being prepared at Rohdoi Pukhuri in Rupahi Pathar, under Nazira in Sivasagar district.

With the SIT, senior police officers and forensic experts involved in the probe, authorities are now examining available evidence and the allegations to establish what led to Chetia’s death and whether any criminal liability is involved.