Assam Police constitutes SIT to probe death of Bir Lachit Sena leader

Guwahati, Aug 27 (IANS) Assam Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the death of local outfit Bir Lachit Sena leader Manasjyoti Chetia in Sivasagar, with the authorities seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, officials said.

The SIT has been formed by Sivasagar Police and is headed by Sivasagar Deputy Superintendent of Police Lila Bora.

The team has been directed to investigate the events leading up to Chetia’s death and examine the allegations raised in connection with the case.

Chetia died on August 25, two days after an incident reported on August 23.

He had been undergoing medical treatment following the incident before succumbing to his injuries.

Police have detained five people named in the complaint lodged by the Bir Lachit Sena in connection with the case.

The investigation team includes Bora, Amguri Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mridul Hazarika and Nazira Police Station Second Officer SI (UB) Siraj Saikia.

Saikia has also been appointed as the Investigating Officer in the case. Nazira Police Station WSI (UB), Sumi Barman, is also part of the SIT.

The constitution of the special team comes amid heightened police attention to the circumstances surrounding Chetia’s death. Investigators are expected to examine available evidence, record statements and reconstruct the sequence of events preceding the incident.

The SIT will also look into the allegations contained in the complaint submitted by the Bir Lachit Sena and examine the role, if any, of the persons detained in connection with the case.

Officials are expected to establish the circumstances under which the August 23 incident occurred and determine its connection with Chetia’s subsequent death on August 25.

The investigation will seek to ascertain whether the evidence supports the allegations made in the complaint and whether criminal liability arises from the incident.

The formation of the SIT is aimed at ensuring a focussed investigation as police work to establish the facts surrounding the death.

Further action will depend on the findings of the probe and the evidence gathered by the investigating team.

–IANS

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