Sivasagar, August 27, 2026: Assam Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and detained five persons as the probe intensifies into the mysterious death of Manasjyoti Chetia, president of the Simaluguri Regional Committee of the Bir Lachit Sena (also referred to as Veer Lachit Sena). The case has drawn high-level attention following directives from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and growing tension in the district.
Chetia was found lying critically injured and unconscious by the roadside at Prajabasti in Bihubar (also reported as Birubor area) around 10–10:30 pm on Sunday, August 23. He was initially believed to have been involved in a road accident. He was rushed to Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh, where he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, August 25, while undergoing treatment.
Post-mortem examination reportedly revealed multiple injuries, including severe trauma to the back of the head. Police recovered Chetia’s mobile phone, but the screen lock was reportedly changed, a detail that has raised suspicions.
The Bir Lachit Sena has strongly rejected the accident theory. The organisation alleged that Chetia was murdered and lodged an FIR at Bihubar Police Station naming 10 people. The names listed are Abidur Rahman, Selimur Rahman, Habibur Rahman, Sujabul Rahman, Subhashin Islam, Murjida Begum, Selima Begum, Mojminka Begum, Anwara Begum and Subera Begum. The FIR was filed by the Sena’s Sivasagar district committee chief secretary Anupam Sandikoi.
According to the organisation, Chetia had left on August 23 to distribute essential items among flood-hit families and at several Namghars. The previous day, August 22, he had intervened in a land dispute in Bihubar. The Sena has alleged a link between that dispute and his death, and some statements have pointed to “Bangladeshi Muslims” as being behind the crime—claims that have not been independently verified by police.
A case (Bihubar PS Case No. 10/26) has been registered under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Sivasagar SSP Papori Chetia, APS, is personally supervising the investigation on the ground. Senior officers including IG (Eastern Range) K.J. Saikia, IPS, and DIG Dr Robin Kumar, IPS, along with a forensic team from Guwahati, have visited the area to assist.
On Wednesday and Thursday, police detained five of the 10 named individuals for questioning: Abidur Rahman, Subera Begum, Selimur Rahman, Selima Begum and Anowara Begum. They were picked up from Bihubar and Simaluguri railway station. The remaining named persons are still under investigation.
The SIT, formed by Sivasagar Police, is headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Lila Bora. Other members include Amguri Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mridul Hazarika, Nazira Police Station Second Officer SI (UB) Siraj Saikia (designated investigating officer), and Nazira Police Station WSI (UB) Sumi Barman. The team has been tasked with examining the full sequence of events, the nature of the injuries, and the allegations raised by the organisation.
The state government has also ordered a magisterial-level inquiry into the circumstances of Chetia’s death. Bir Lachit Sena leader Shrinkhal Chaliha (also spelled Shringkhal Chaliha) has declared Chetia a “national martyr” and demanded strict action against those responsible. He has accused police of delays and warned of major protests if the accused are not brought to book.
Police have stated that they are investigating all angles, including the alleged land dispute and the events of the night of August 23, and have yet to establish the exact sequence or confirm any connection to the named individuals.
