Guwahati: Protesters gathered at the Bijni Girls High School playground in Chirang, Assam, on August 1 to demand justice for Jibananda Basumatary, also known as Raju Basumatary. The two-hour sit-in ended at 1 pm. It brought together various social, political, and student groups. Organizers want a fast-track trial and the death penalty for the three men accused of the killing.
Basumatary served as the joint secretary of the Bijni District Sports Association and vice-president of the local United People Party Liberal unit. He was a former member of the All Bodo Students Union. He died following a reported altercation at a Bijni hotel on July 29. Police found his body in the Chatianguri area shortly after. Protesters claim he was attacked while riding his scooter home and that his killers staged the scene to look like a road accident.
Police have arrested three suspects: Amrit Sarkar, Ashish Madak, and Sanjay Saha. The protesters demanded the government provide Rs 1 crore in financial assistance to the victim's family. They also called for communal harmony. Organizers representing groups including the All Assam Students Union and the All Minority Students Union urged authorities to keep the investigation transparent. One statement noted the need for a "speedy and transparent investigation" to ensure the perpetrators face the law.
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