Assam: SIT Constituted to Launch Probe into Harangajao Murder

Guwahati, May 4, 2020:

After hearing a petition filed by Jayanta Hojai, the wife of deceased Santosh Hojai of Harangajao in Assam, a Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court comprising Chief Justice Ajay Lamba and Justice Soumitra Saikia has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to further probe the matter.

By an order dated 4 April, 2020, the Bench has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Government to conduct an investigation into the matter. The SIT is to be headed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Dilip Kumar Dey.

ALSO READ: NSCN (K) Khango Militant Nabbed in Nagaland’s Kiphire District

The investigation which will be carried out by SIT will be monitored by Gauhati High Court at every stage likewise the involvement of Scientists from Forensic Science Laboratory and including inspection of the place where the dead body was recovered.

The High Court, while directing the SIT to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken in pursuance to the investigation, made it clear that the investigation should not be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. and The matter again has been listed on May 5 next.

The Court has directed the team to investigate the matter "in regards to facts and circumstances resulting an alleged abduction of the victim late Santosh Hojai and his murder".

It may be mentioned here that around 6 pm on April 24, 4-5 persons barged into the residence of Hojai at Dimadi Hawar village under Harangajao police station of Dima Hasao district.

ALSO READ: Manipur Black Rice Chakhao gets Geographical Indicator Tag

According to Hojai’s wife, the abductors came in a white Bolero vehicle. First, they asked about Hojai, then said that their car had broken down and they needed JCV. When Hojai appeared, he was dragged to the Bolero which sped off into the night.

Hojai's corpse was later discovered on April 30 at Lailing, which is 70 kilometres away from Haflong town in Assam. Locals of Dima Hasao district have continued their demand for a high-level inquiry into this shocking incident.

Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.