Meghalaya CM seeks probe into alleged murder of Niksamseng at rehab centre in Goalpara

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 9, 2024

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has sought the intervention of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to constitute a probe into the alleged murder of (L) Niksamseng Ch Marak at a rehabilitation centre in Goalpara. 

In a letter to Sarma, Sangma said that a resident of my state (L) Niksamseng Ch Marak, was arrested by Assam police on July 2, 2024 and was sent ot a rehabilitation centre in Goalpara Assam. 

However, two days laters, he was found dead in teh rehab centre – ‘New Life Foundation Centre, Nayapara, Goalpara’, under suspicious circumstances. 

As informed by his family members, the centre’s authorities initially claimed that it was a case of suicide, but later changed their statement, raising serious concerns about the turn of events.

“I have been informed that the body bore severe injury marks, including, deep knife cut injury on the left side of his face, burns, severe injury marks on the chin, hips and legs. These prima facie injuries suggest that (L) Niksamseng was subjected to brutal torture, beating and stabbing, inside the rehab centre,” he said.

“Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, I request you to immediately investigate the incident, which is also desired by the family to bring justice. 

The family has lodged an FIR into the incident, your kind intervention to investigate the matter by constituting an enquiry will be highly appreciated,” he stated in the letter.

The CM also extended his gratitude to the National People’s Youth Front (NPYF) for taking up this cause, which is of great importance.

In connection with this case, Jintu Chakravorty (24), the caretaker of the raheb, son of Abinash Chakravorty, Paikan under Krishnai police station in Goalpara, has been remanded to police custody for further investigation.

The other accused are- Prasenjit Nath (23) son of Manik Nath, Bapuji Nagar, Goalpara; Hanif Ali (28), son of Late Hamed Ali, Kismatpur, Goalpara; Dhanmaina Banikya (38), son of Durlav Banikya, Durga Mandir, ananda nagar, Goalpara; Mohsen Khan, son of Mehmud Khan, Bapuji Nagar, Goalpara and Kunal Das (23), son of Achyut Das, Boro Bazar, Goalpara.

A minor boy was also arrested in connection with the case and he has been shifted to a juvenile centre in Goalpara.

Moreover, one person, who was also injured, was undergoing treatment in Goalpara Civil Hospital. He will be arrested soon. Two other accused are reportedly absconding.

Narrating the incident GJP working president Raaaksim Derek said: “On July 2, Niksamseng Marak travelled to Goalpara to purchase medication prescribed by his doctor. Upon his return, he was detained by Krishnai Police for reasons unknown.”

“Before his family arrived, the police called the Rehab Centre and sent him to the New Life Foundation Rehab Centre in Goalpara without the family’s consent. When the family confronted the officer-in-charge of Krishnai Police Station, they were unable to provide a valid reason for the victim’s detention,” Derek said.

“On July 3, when family members visited the Rehab Centre, they were not allowed to meet with him; only his 4-year-old son was permitted to meet him. On the evening of July 4, family members received a call from the Rehab Centre that Niksamseng had died by hanging himself and for the second they informed them he died by banging his forehead on the toilet wall,” Derek also said.

“Before post-mortem family members checked his body and found deep cuts on his cheeks marks of rot sticks and bruises all over his body,” Derek added.

“The activities of the rehab centre is also under the scanner of the police. Instead of a health expert, this centre was allegedly run by some person who was formerly addicted.