Judicial Custody Death of Tea-Garden Labourer Sparks 15-Hour Protest In Dolu

Tension gripped Dolu Tea Estate in Cachar since Thursday night (February 12) after the alleged mysterious death of Rajesh Mirda inside judicial custody at Silchar Central Jail, triggering a 15-hour-long protest by tea garden workers and family members. The agitation was withdrawn on Friday afternoon only after the administration gave written assurances addressing the protestors’ demands.

According to a Tea Garden Labour Union leader, Mirda was arrested on February 9 in connection with a pending electricity-related case and was produced before court the next day, following which he was sent to judicial custody. “On Wednesday, when his wife went to meet him at Silchar Central Jail, authorities told her he was unwell and had been given a saline drip, so she could not meet him. On Thursday, the VDP secretary informed the family that he was no more. When they rushed to SMCH and saw that he had died under mysterious circumstances, they refused to accept the body,” he said.

Questioning the circumstances of the death, the union leader added, “It is very genuine because a healthy person was arrested and without the knowledge of the family, how did he die inside jail? Today, the Circle Officer came and in his presence we submitted a memorandum addressed to the District Commissioner. Senior police officers also visited the area. We, the Tea Garden Labour Union, Tea Garden Panchayat and others, have raised objections to the mysterious condition under which he passed away.”

Alleging negligence, he warned, “There is negligence for sure, and if a proper investigation is not conducted, we will be bound to protest again. The Circle Officer assured us that compensation would be provided within a month and that the administration would bear the cost of his final rites. Our demand is that one member of his family be given a government job. After discussion with all, we have decided to withdraw our protest today.”

The case reportedly stems from an unpaid electricity bill dating back to 2018. Around one and a half years ago, a lawyer had allegedly informed Mirda that the case was over. However, when he later missed a court hearing, a warrant was reportedly issued, leading to his arrest.

In the memorandum submitted to the District Commissioner through the Circle Officer, the signatories stated that Mirda was healthy at the time of arrest on February 9 and was later shifted to the jail medical ward. They demanded a time-bound compensation within one month and strict action against those responsible.

Local MLA Misbahul Islam Laskar also visited the area and acknowledged lapses. “The family was not informed properly. There has been a lot of miscommunication and shortcomings. I have spoken to the DC, who has assured me that there will be two enquiries in this matter — a judicial enquiry and an administrative enquiry. After the enquiry, help will be provided to the family. I will also stand by this family. We want to know who is behind this and who is at fault. The enquiry must be completed at the soonest,” he said.

The protest, which began on Thursday night in front of the Dolu community hall, saw hundreds of tea garden workers refusing to accept the body and demanding a fair probe and adequate compensation. Following multiple rounds of discussions with the administration and written assurance of action, the family and protestors agreed to accept the body on Friday afternoon.