Reported by Avik Chakraborty
Dibrugarh: An incident involving the death of a resident of Tirap district has drawn attention in Arunachal Pradesh, with questions being raised regarding the response and coordination of authorities in Andhra Pradesh.
Kamlo Mophuk, 51, son of Late Wangkop Mophuk and a resident of Lazu village in Tirap district, had boarded a train from Tinsukia on May 16, 2026, to travel to Bengaluru to meet his daughters, who are employed there.
According to family members, Mophuk was allegedly attacked and assaulted by unidentified persons during the journey. He reportedly got down at Ongole Railway Station in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh on May 18 and sought help from the Railway Police.
Family members alleged that no immediate assistance was provided to him. They further stated that he later approached the local police station but reportedly received limited cooperation.
On the evening of May 18, Mophuk contacted his daughter, Ngona Mophuk, and informed her that some unknown persons were allegedly following him.
He also told her that his mobile phone battery was running low. Later that night, at around 11 PM, he spoke to his wife.
His final conversation with his daughter reportedly took place the following morning at around 8 AM, after which his phone became unreachable.
His daughters, who reside in Bengaluru, began searching for him from May 19 to 24 after losing contact with him. The family alleged that they initially faced delays and a lack of urgency from the concerned authorities while seeking assistance.
According to sources, police and forest officials later intensified the search operation following the intervention of Minister Wangki Lowang, who contacted the concerned authorities.
Sources stated that Mophuk’s body was eventually recovered near a cemetery area after authorities traced the location of his mobile phone. The family alleged that although the body was reportedly found on May 21, they were informed about it only on May 23.
Family members and local residents have appealed for a fair inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the case and the alleged lapses by the concerned authorities.
Tony Mophuk, on behalf of the bereaved family, expressed gratitude to Minister Wangki Lowang for his initiative and assistance. He also thanked Wanglam Sawin, MLA of Khonsa, for extending financial assistance to the family during the period.