Body of Missing Beedi Seller Discovered in Cachar; Family Accuses Police of Slow Response

The body of a missing street vendor from West Bengal was discovered buried in Cachar’s Jujang Hills, sparking allegations of police negligence from his family. Rahul Sheikh, who had resided in Silchar for years, was last seen on Monday, 4 November, travelling to Lakhipur to sell goods. His family claims that if the police had acted sooner, they might have found him alive.

Rahul Sheikh, a beedi vendor by trade, disappeared en route from Jirighat, raising immediate concern among his family and local residents. Rahul’s motorcycle, along with his bidi sacks and sandals, were found abandoned near Jujang Hills, leading to suspicions of foul play. He had been reported missing at the Lakhipur police station by his family, who also filed a kidnapping complaint against two other vendors, Tasir Sheikh and Abu Sheikh, with whom he reportedly had disputes over business territory.

Following the complaint, Lakhipur police detained one of the accused, but, in a controversial move, later released him under what the family described as “mysterious” circumstances. The family claims this alleged lack of urgency by the police might have cost valuable time in the search for Rahul.

Two days after his disappearance, Rahul’s body was found about a kilometre from where his belongings had been discovered, buried within the Jujang Hills. His family, searching the area themselves, with the help of the locals, uncovered the body, which was later retrieved by police and sent for post-mortem examination at Silchar Medical College and Hospital.

Rahul’s father voiced his frustration and disappointment in the police investigation, stating, “The police did not help us the way the locals did in searching for my son. I raised questions, pleaded for assistance, but received none.” He believes that, had there been immediate action, his son might have been found sooner.

Rahul’s family alleges that Tasir Sheikh and Abu Sheikh, both also vendors, had threatened him in the past over competition in their line of work. They claim the two men were involved in the murder, and that ongoing tensions over business territories had fuelled the crime. Allegedly, the accused had issued warnings to Rahul weeks before his disappearance, which the family insists were not taken seriously by authorities.

The handling of the case has drawn criticism, with Rahul’s family accusing Lakhipur police of negligence. They believe that officers failed to prioritise their case, resulting in unnecessary delays. The family is now demanding a more thorough investigation to ensure justice for Rahul.