Locals Urge Fast-Track Trial Into Imran Hussain Barbhuiya’s Murder, Submit Memorandum To Dholai CDC

Five days after the sensational revelation into the death of Imran Hussain Barbhuiya, the recently elected Gaon Panchayat President of Rajnagar–Kulicherra, locals on Monday (August 25) organised a public meeting in protest and submitted a memorandum to the Co-District Commissioner (CDC) of Dholai, demanding a fast-track trial and exemplary punishment for the culprits.

Imran Hussain Barbhuiya had died on August 10, initially believed to have died from a heart attack. However, suspicion arose after his family members probed further. Incriminating WhatsApp chats were later discovered between his wife, Rina Begum, and his former driver, Biju Ahmed, which suggested that Imran was allegedly poisoned with sleeping pills mixed in his dinner. The pills were allegedly supplied to Rina by Biju.

Following the revelations, Cachar Police arrested six persons in connection with the case, including Rina Begum and Biju Ahmed, on August 21. The next day, Imran’s body was exhumed for autopsy before being reburied after prayers. While Biju confessed on video to supplying sleeping pills and maintaining an illicit affair with Rina, she denied any involvement while being taken to police remand on August 23.

At Monday’s protest, villagers expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation. Through their memorandum, they placed a set of demands before the administration, which included:

• Trial of the case in a fast-track court with exemplary punishment for the accused.
• Ensuring no political or administrative influence shields the accused.
• Security, education, and financial support for Imran’s two minor children.
• Adequate police deployment to maintain peace in the area.
• Recovery of all evidence, scrutiny of CCTV footage, and inclusion of domestic help in the investigation.
• Denial of custody of the children to Rina Begum, who is accused in the case.

The memorandum concluded with a strong appeal for justice, stressing that the incident has left the entire region in shock.

Speaking at the public meeting, one local said, “This incident has shaken the entire valley. He was the apple of our eyes. While we respect the role of law enforcement, we demand a high-level investigation. There may be more culprits involved, and we urge the authorities not to treat this as just another murder but to ensure exemplary punishment for all those guilty.”

As of now, Rina Begum and Biju Ahmed are in police remand, while Rina’s parents and brother are in judicial custody.