High tension gripped parts of the Sribhumi district following the recovery of the body of local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) booth president, Bikash Dhar, who had been missing for two days. The escalation prompted district authorities to promulgate Section 144 to maintain law and order, while a massive police force was deployed to keep the situation under control.
Missing Since Wednesday: The Initial Incident
Bikash Dhar (52), a resident of Chagalmoya village under the Bajarichhara police station limits and a well-known community figure, went missing on Wednesday afternoon. According to family members, Dhar hurriedly left his home on his motorcycle after receiving a phone call.
He failed to return, and his mobile device remained switched off shortly thereafter. Following unsuccessful attempts to trace him, the family lodged an official missing person report at the Bajarichhara Police Station.
The incident sparked widespread concern across the district, prompting Cabinet Minister and local MLA Krishnendu Paul to visit the aggrieved family, assuring them of full administrative support and urging the police hierarchy to expedite search operations.
Body Recovered Near Assam-Tripura Border
Following an intensive search operation, police located the body of Bikash Dhar near the riverbanks of Jogichhara village in the Lowairpoa area, close to the Assam-Tripura interstate border. The condition of the body indicated signs of violent assault.
Senior officials, including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Leena Doley, immediately rushed to the spot to personally oversee the initial investigation and evidence collection. The body was retrieved and subsequently dispatched to the Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) for a comprehensive post-mortem examination.
“A thorough investigation was initiated as soon as the missing report was lodged. Following the recovery of the victim’s body, swift operational measures were executed to apprehend the perpetrators,” a senior district police official stated.
Police Operation and Subsequent Crackdown
In a swift follow-up operation, law enforcement agencies identified and arrested the primary suspect, identified as Abdul Haq. During interrogation, Haq disclosed key details that led Assam Police to collaborate with Tripura authorities, resulting in the arrest of an accomplice in the neighboring state.
So far, police have rounded up six individuals in connection with the abduction and murder.
During a secondary search and verification procedure, the primary suspect was reportedly injured in an encounter with police forces when he attempted to evade custody. He was immediately transported to a local medical facility under heavy security guard for treatment.
Public Protests and Administrative Response
News of the leader’s demise triggered immediate outrage among local residents in Bajarichhara. Enraged crowds took to the streets, leading to sporadic incidents of vandalism targeting local commercial establishments and residential properties linked to the key suspect.
To prevent further escalation and restore public order, the Sribhumi District Administration clamped Section 144 across the affected zones, prohibiting unlawful assemblies, public gatherings, and movement that could jeopardize peace.
Heavy contingents of Assam Police and paramilitary personnel remain deployed throughout the Bajarichhara belt. Authorities confirm that while the atmosphere remains palpalbly tense, the situation is currently under control, with continuous patrolling underway to ensure public safety. Further official updates regarding the post-mortem report and court proceedings are awaited.
