Guwahati: Assam Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the death of Bir Lachit Sena leader Manasjyoti Chetia in Sivasagar district, with five of the 10 people named in the organisation’s FIR detained for questioning.
The SIT was constituted through an order issued by the Office of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Sivasagar, on August 26, 2026. The team has been formed for the “proper and scientific investigation” of Bihubar Police Station Case No. 10/2026, registered under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The team is headed by Lila Borah, APS, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sivasagar.
The other members are Inspector Mridul Hazarika, Officer-in-Charge of Amguri Police Station; SI (UB) Chiraj Saikia of Nazira Police Station, who is also the investigating officer in the case; and WSI (UB) Sumi Barman of Nazira Police Station.
According to the police order, the SIT will provide support to the investigating officer and remain involved until the investigation is completed.
Police have so far detained Abidur Rahman, Selima Begum, Subera Begum, Selimur Rahman and Anwara Begum in connection with the case.
The Bir Lachit Sena’s Sivasagar district committee had named 10 people in its FIR, which was filed by its chief secretary Anupam Sandikoi.
The names mentioned in the complaint are:
- Abidur Rahman
- Selimur Rahman
- Habibur Rahman
- Sujabul Rahman
- Subhashin Islam
- Murjida Begum
- Selima Begum
- Mojminka Begum
- Anwara Begum
- Subera Begum
Police are continuing to question those detained as part of the investigation.
Chetia died on August 25 while undergoing treatment following an incident reported on August 23. His body was recovered at around 10.30 pm on August 23, according to the information provided by the organisation.
The Bir Lachit Sena said Chetia had been assisting flood-affected families since July 19 and had gone out on August 23 to distribute essential items among affected residents and at several Namghars.
The organisation has questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident and called for a detailed investigation.
According to the complaint, Chetia had reportedly intervened in a land dispute in Bihubar on August 22, a day before the incident. Bir Lachit Sena leaders have claimed that he was attacked while attempting to mediate the dispute.
Central leader Shrinkhal Chaliha said Chetia had intervened in a dispute involving a family whose house had been washed away during the floods. The family had reportedly taken shelter at a petrol station and later faced difficulties returning to their land, according to Chaliha.
Police are investigating the sequence of events surrounding the incident and Chetia’s subsequent death.
The investigation has also been strengthened with the involvement of senior police officials.
KJ Saikia, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Eastern Range, Jorhat, is travelling to Bihubar in connection with the investigation. DIG AP Headquarters Dr Robin Kumar, IPS, along with a forensic team, has also proceeded from Guwahati to Sivasagar.
Following Chetia’s death, Bir Lachit Sena members and supporters reportedly took his body towards the organisation’s office in Sivasagar and sought justice. The organisation has described Chetia as a martyr.
The SIT order makes clear that the investigation will continue under the supervision of the designated team until its completion.