Assam man murdered in Mizoram; Cachar SP assures investigation after locals protest with dead body in Dholai

A resident of Dholai’s Ramprasadpur, Pravin Kumar Singh who is a driver by profession has died in Mizoram. His dead body has been transferred to Dholai and was handed over to the family members last night at around 9:30. When the family members saw the body, they noticed several marks of injuries. It was clear that he was murdered. Irked by the brutality, the locals blocked the Assam – Mizoram National Highway and started demonstrating with the body in the middle of the road.

On January 25, Pravin Kumar Singh who drives an oil tanker drove to Aizawl in Mizoram. He was accompanied by his cousin brother from the same village – Nipen Singh as a handyman. The dead body was handed over to the Truck Association Office in Cachar by the members of the Young Mizo Association. According to the version shared by Mizoram Police, Pravin Kumar Singh was murdered by Nipen Singh somewhere in Serchhip District. They have conducted the autopsy following the procedure and then handed over the body. At the same time, they have arrested Nipen Singh and he has been forwarded to judicial custody.

“Why would Nipen Singh – a relative of Pravin Kumar murder the latter? He got a job, a source of earning and then he will murder the person who helped him to become a breadwinner. This is entirely a cooked up story. They kill our people and then frame them as smugglers, crazy and what not. We want justice,” said a protesting woman.

Dipankar Nath, Circle Officer of Sonai, Sonai OC Himakshi Nath rushed to the spot along with Commandos of Assam Police. Local BJP leaders, Trinamool leaders also visited to meet the protesters. “We vote and elect our government but they abandon us to serve Mizos. Six of our Police personnel were killed, Assam Government did not take any action. One young boy was found dead in the custody of Mizoram Police but it was framed as a suicide. We want Nipen Singh to be brought back to Cachar immediately. Then we want Assam Police to investigate the murder of Pravin Kumar Singh and take action against the culprits,” said another protester.

Eventually, Cachar SP Ramandeep Kaur had to visit the spot. At around 3:00 pm, she met the protesters and heard their issues. “Aizawl Police has registered a case where it is mentioned that the handyman has himself confessed that he has killed the driver. Based on the confession, they have arrested the handyman (Nipen Singh). I have heard the demands of the locals and assured them that we will conduct an autopsy of the deceased. We have also registered a case based on the FIR from the local,” said Cachar SP Ramandeep Kaur.

Locals said that they have audio clippings of a call that the family has received from Nipen Singh. According to the conversation recorded, Nipen Singh states that he has been tied with ropes and tortured to confess that he has murdered Pravin Kumar Singh. When asked about the same, SP Cachar said, “This has been brought to our notice. Since a case has been registered here based on the FIR lodged by the locals, we will investigate everything including the alleged call.”

After assurances from Cachar SP, the locals agreed to withdraw the blockade at around 3:30 pm.