A chilling incident of alleged rape and brutal murder has sent shockwaves through the Sonai Sundari area of Cachar district, Assam. A 50-year-old housewife, identified as Monowara Begum, who went missing on Sunday afternoon, was found dead in a paddy field the following morning. The horrific condition of the body strongly suggests foul play, leading police to suspect the victim was sexually assaulted before being murdered.
Disappearance and Discovery
Monowara Begum, a resident of Sonai Sundari Part-I, was last seen around noon on Sunday when she left her home to collect fodder for her cattle from a nearby paddy field. When she failed to return by evening, her family and local residents launched an intensive search operation, scouring adjacent fields and the banks of the Sonai River late into the night.
The breakthrough, and the horror, came on Monday morning during a renewed search effort. Locals discovered the victim’s body concealed in the paddy field, approximately 300 meters from her home. The scene immediately prompted suspicions of a violent crime.
Horrific State of the Body Fuels Murder Accusations
The condition of the deceased woman’s body was a clear indicator of extreme violence. Family members and police noted several disturbing details:
- The victim’s hands were tied.
- A polythene sheet was found stuffed into her mouth.
- The body bore multiple injury marks on various parts.
She was found in a semi-nude state, fueling the strong suspicion that she was sexually assaulted before being killed.
The victim’s brother conveyed the family’s anguish and conviction to the media, stating they believe she was “brutally murdered.” He added that they suspect she may have been taken elsewhere, assaulted, killed, and then dumped in the field, as they had searched the same area multiple times on Sunday.
Police and Forensic Investigation Underway
Upon receiving the report, a team from the Kachudaram Police Station, accompanied by probationary DSPs Bhaskarsikha Saikia and Dilraj Pathak, rushed to the spot.
- A Magistrate (Sonai Circle), Chandan Kalita, also visited the crime scene to commence a preliminary investigation.
- A forensic team was deployed to collect crucial evidence and samples.
- A sniffer dog was brought in, but failed to yield any immediate significant leads.
Police have initially registered a case of unnatural death but confirmed that it is highly likely to be converted into a murder case once the post-mortem report and initial findings confirm the suspicion of homicide and sexual assault. Officer-in-Charge of the Kachudaram police station, Apurba Borah, confirmed that the comprehensive investigation is ongoing.
Community Outcry and Demand for Justice
The inhumane nature of the crime has sparked intense anger and grief among the local community. The victim’s family, supported by local representatives, have made an urgent plea to the administration for a prompt and thorough investigation to identify and arrest the culprits.
Local public representatives, including Saddam Hussain (Panchayat representative of Bhaurikandi GP), Shaheen Laskar (Zila Parishad Member of Nagdirgram-Didarkhush), and local Group Member Jolly Laskar, have condemned the heinous act and demanded the strictest possible punishment for those responsible.
