Assam: Bijni groups demand death penalty for 3 accused in Raju Basumatary murder case

A two-hour sit-in demonstration was organised at the Bijni Girls’ High School playground in Assam’s Chirang district on August 1, demanding a fast-track trial, stringent punishment for the accused and financial assistance for the family of Jibananda Basumatary, popularly known as Raju Basumatary, who was allegedly murdered earlier this week.

The protest was organised by the Bijni District Sports Association with the support of several political, student and social organisations.

Protesters demanded that the case be transferred to a fast-track court, the three accused be awarded the death penalty, and the victim’s family be provided Rs 1 crore as financial assistance. They also appealed to all sections of society to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area.

The demonstration was held from 11 am to 1 pm and was attended by representatives of the Bijni District Sports Association, Bijni district unit of the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), All Minority Students’ Union (AMSU), All BTC Bengali Youth and Students’ Federation, BNSU, NEMSU and AKRASU, among others.

Raju Basumatary was the joint secretary of the Bijni District Sports Association, vice-president of the Bijni district UPPL and a former ABSU activist.

According to preliminary information, Basumatary was involved in an altercation at a hotel in Bijni on July 29 and was later found dead in the Chatianguri area. Police launched a murder investigation and arrested three persons in connection with the case.

Protesters alleged that Basumatary was attacked while travelling home on his scooter on the night of July 29 and that an attempt was made to portray the killing as a road accident.

The three accused have been identified as Amrit Sarkar, Ashish Madak and Sanjay Saha. Police arrested them shortly after the incident, according to the information provided by the organisers.

The participating organisations demanded a speedy and transparent investigation and urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice at the earliest.