Assam: Three arrested in Beena Ingtipi murder case in Dima Hasao, villagers halt L&T work in protest

Assam Police arrested three individuals in connection with the murder of 48-year-old Beena Ingtipi from Longku, under Umrangso Police Station, known as the industrial hub of the district.

According to police, five employees of L&T Construction Company, engaged in the Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project, were allegedly involved in the crime. While three have been apprehended, two accused remain absconding.

The arrested have been identified as Stephen Hanse of Longku (Umrangso), Rabindra Rana of Nepal, and Abdul Rahman of Barpeta. Police confirmed that they are under interrogation, while investigations continue. Additional SP Luit Talukdar said, “We are confident of nabbing the remaining accused soon. The medical report will reveal the full extent of the crime. L&T authorities are extending full cooperation.”

Local villagers have alleged that Beena Ingtipi was raped before being murdered. Tension gripped the area on Friday when, after news of the arrests, villagers gathered at the Longku police outpost, demanding that the accused be handed over to them. The protest turned volatile, forcing police officials to intervene.

Senior Superintendent of Police Mayank Kumar, Additional SP Luit Talukdar, and Additional SP (Crime) Faruk Ahmed rushed to the spot and assured villagers that the remaining culprits would be arrested at the earliest. Following assurances, the situation was brought under control, though villagers warned that construction activities under L&T would remain suspended until all accused were arrested. The company has since agreed to temporarily halt its operations.

The case has sent shockwaves across the district. It may be recalled that Ingtipi had gone missing on August 13 evening after shutting her shop near the project site. The next night, around 10 pm on August 14, police recovered her body from a forested area behind Longku Sakpuro LP School, after tracking her mobile phone. Her body bore multiple injury marks, including on the head.

The murder has not only shaken local residents but also sparked widespread outrage, with calls for swift justice intensifying across Dima Hasao.