Guwahati: The brutal murder of a 28-year-old BJP leader in Assam’s Lakhimpur district has sparked massive reactions.
Sunil Gogoi, a contractor and the general secretary of the BJP’s Kisan Morcha in Dhakuakhana, was found murdered on Saturday.
The horrific incident allegedly took place in Sapatia Chetia village, Dhakuakhana, in Lakhimpur district, where Gogoi’s beheaded and partially burnt body was discovered.
The police recovered several items from the scene of the crime, including a shirt, a sharp dagger, a pair of sandals, a flashlight, and a bamboo stick. The sight of Gogoi’s headless body, combined with the brutality of the act, has left the local community and authorities in a state of shock.
Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh deployed a special investigation team led by CID IGP Sanyukta Parashar, along with forensic experts, to the scene of a murder in the Lakhimpur district.
DGP Singh also visited the scene on Monday and mentioned the seriousness with which the police are treating the case, following the Chief Minister’s directive. A vigorous investigation is underway with the aim of a swift apprehension of the culprits.
The CID and forensic teams are currently searching a nearby pond for Gogoi’s severed head.
The investigation took a significant turn when Gogoi’s father alleged that his son was murdered by a contractor associated with the Jal Jeevan Mission. This led the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to launch a thorough investigation into the contractor’s activities. A man from Chaigur, who mentioned to his wife that a person had threatened Gogoi, is also being questioned.
Political and Corruption Angles
The murder of Sunil Gogoi appears to be linked to deeper political and corruption-related issues. Gogoi had been a witness against Jayant Goswami, an executive engineer in the Ghilamara Public Health Technical Department.
Goswami, who is currently in jail for corruption charges, was beaten by contractors before his arrest. It is suspected that Gogoi’s involvement in exposing corruption within the Jal Jeevan Mission made him a target.
The CID is investigating whether Goswami’s associates conspired to murder Gogoi to prevent him from testifying. Another contractor, Kanamoina Shaikia, is also under investigation for potentially meeting with Goswami in Guwahati Central Jail and being part of the conspiracy.
State Education Minister Ranoj Pegu visited Gogoi’s home on Sunday, expressing his condolences and urging a swift investigation. “Visited the residence of the late Sunil Gogoi…Visited the crime site, which bears proof of a pre-planned ghastly murder,” Pegu posted on social media.