Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Jun 11: Tezu Police has arrested two persons in connection with the alleged murder of a 50-year-old man whose body was found near a bus stand shed in Tezu earlier this week.
The deceased, identified as Govind Garowal, was a resident of Navjyoti village under Bordumsa police station in Assam's Tinsukia district.
According to police, Garowal's body was discovered on Tuesday morning inside an RCC bus stand shed near the Lohit Agencies Petrol Depot, opposite the Zonal Hospital gate in Tezu. He had sustained injuries on his forehead and the rear portion of his head, with visible signs of bleeding.
The arrested accused have been identified as Amar Chetry (26), who was arrested on the day the body was recovered, and Olen Dameng (32) of Cheta-II under Roing circle in Lower Dibang Valley district, who was apprehended on Wednesday.
Police said preliminary investigation revealed that an altercation had allegedly broken out between the deceased and the two accused, which escalated into a physical assault.
During the incident, Garowal sustained multiple injuries, including fatal head injuries, resulting in his death, police said.
Initially registered as an unnatural death (UD) case, the matter was subsequently converted into a criminal case after investigators gathered evidence indicating the commission of a cognizable offence. A case has been registered at Tezu Police Station under Sections 105 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Meanwhile, Home Minister Mama Natung lauded the swift breakthrough in the case and praised the efforts of Lohit Police.
“The successful breakthrough in the Tezu murder case and the arrest of two accused within a short span of time reflect the dedication, professionalism and investigative capabilities of Lohit Police,” the minister said.
He noted that what began as an unnatural death inquiry was pursued through diligent and scientific investigation, leading to the identification of the victim and the prompt arrest of those allegedly involved.
Natung commended the SP Lohit and the entire investigating team for their commitment to ensuring justice and reiterated the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“The swift action taken by Lohit Police sends a clear message that our law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to protect the safety and security of our people,” he added.
The investigation was conducted by a team comprising DySP Ojing Lego, Inspector J Aran, Lady Inspector S Namshoom, and SI H Jugli, along with police personnel U Chetry, M Hakhun, Govind Yun and C U Moungkhom.
Police said further investigation is underway.