Tensions have escalated in Assam’s Sribhumi district after the body of 52-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party booth president Bikash Ranjan Dhar was recovered near the Assam-Tripura border, nearly two days after he went missing. Police have detained six people in connection with the case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Dhar, a resident of Chagalmowa village under the Bazaricherra police station area, reportedly went missing on August 12 after leaving his home on a motorcycle. His disappearance prompted his family to approach the police and file a missing-person complaint after attempts to contact him failed.

His body was subsequently recovered on Friday from the Jogichhara area near the Assam-Tripura border. The discovery triggered anger and protests in several nearby areas, including Chagalmowa and Bazaricherra. Police said incidents of vandalism and arson were also reported following the recovery of the body.

Missing after leaving home following a phone call

According to information emerging from the investigation, Dhar left his residence on the afternoon of August 12 after receiving a phone call. His family reportedly understood that he had been called to attend an urgent meeting.

When Dhar did not return home and could no longer be contacted, his relatives began searching for him. His phone was subsequently found to be switched off, increasing concerns over his whereabouts.

The family eventually approached the police and registered a missing-person complaint. Investigators began examining Dhar’s movements and phone records as part of the search.

Police said the investigation into the missing-person complaint eventually led them to individuals suspected of being connected with his disappearance.

Police suspect personal enmity behind killing

Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Trinayan Bhuyan said six people have been apprehended in connection with the case, with two of them believed to have played a direct role in the alleged killing.

Police have not publicly disclosed the identities of all those detained. However, officials said the two principal accused are aged 24 and 30.

Investigators have also said that preliminary findings point towards personal enmity as a possible motive. Police are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to Dhar’s death and are questioning the detained individuals to establish the sequence of events.

One of the accused reportedly told investigators that Dhar was killed using a machete. The statement is being examined as part of the broader investigation, while police continue to gather evidence to establish the precise circumstances of the murder.

Accused allegedly attacks police constable while trying to escape

The investigation took another turn when one of the detained suspects allegedly attempted to flee while in police custody.

According to police, the accused attacked a police constable with a sharp object during the attempted escape. Officers responded by opening fire, injuring the suspect in the left leg.

The injured accused was subsequently overpowered and brought back into custody. Police officials said he was then taken under control as the investigation continued.

The incident has added another layer to the case, with investigators now examining both the alleged murder and the circumstances surrounding the attempted escape and attack on the police personnel.

Recovery of body sparks protests and arson

The discovery of Dhar’s body led to unrest in parts of Sribhumi district. Residents and supporters gathered in the affected areas, while protests were reported in Chagalmowa, Bazaricherra and surrounding locations.

Authorities reported incidents of vandalism and arson during the unrest, including shops being set on fire. The situation prompted the district administration to impose prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Officials said the restrictions were imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent further escalation and maintain public order.

Police later said the situation had been brought under control, although security measures remained important in the affected areas given the tensions following the murder.

Investigation continues

The police investigation is focused on determining the complete sequence of events from Dhar’s disappearance on August 12 to the recovery of his body two days later.

Investigators are examining call records, questioning the detained suspects and gathering other evidence to determine the motive and establish the individual roles of those allegedly involved.

The identification of the alleged murder weapon and the statements made during questioning are expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators. Police will also need to establish the circumstances in which Dhar was taken to the area near the Tripura border and how the alleged killing was carried out.

While preliminary police findings suggest personal enmity, the investigation remains ongoing. The authorities have not indicated that the killing was politically motivated, despite Dhar’s position as a BJP booth president.

The case has nevertheless generated considerable tension locally because of Dhar’s political association and the violent protests that followed the discovery of his body.

Authorities focus on restoring calm

With prohibitory orders imposed and police deployed in the affected areas, authorities are focusing on preventing further incidents of violence while the criminal investigation proceeds.

The police have urged that the investigation be allowed to continue and that the circumstances surrounding the murder be established on the basis of evidence.

The detention of six people represents a significant development in the case, but investigators are still working to determine the precise roles of each suspect. Further legal action is expected to depend on the evidence collected during the investigation.

For now, the killing of Bikash Ranjan Dhar remains under active investigation, while authorities work to maintain peace in Sribhumi and establish the full circumstances behind his disappearance and death.