Was Meghalaya’s Niksamseng Ch Marak murdered at rehab centre in Goalpara? CM Sangma seeks Assam CM’s intervention into the probe

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has sought the intervention of his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma for an investigation into the death of Niksamseng Marak, a resident of Tura at a rehabilitation centre in Assam’s Goalpara district.

While the authorities of the rehab centre- New Life Foundation Centre, Nayapara, Goalpara initially claimed that it was a case of suicide, the family members of 36-year-old Marak alleged that he was murdered at the rehab centre under suspicious circumstances.

Following the family’s claim, Meghalaya Chief Minister yesterday wrote a letter to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to constitute a probe into the alleged murder and take appropriate action.

The family has already lodged and FIR into the incident.

In the letter, CM Conrad Sangma mentioned that he was informed by the family members of the deceased regarding visible injury marks on the body and that it was not a case of suicide, as claimed by police.

” 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. On July 9, 2024, I was informed that the body bore severe injury marks, including, a 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 Niksamseng was subjected to brutal torture, beating, and stabbing, inside the rehab centre. Therefore, in view of the above circumstance, I request you to immediately investigate the incident, which is also desired by the family to bring justice. Your kind intervention to investigate the matter by constituting an enquiry will be highly appreciated,” read the letter.

It may be mentioned that 8 people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Niksamseng Marak, while 2 are still absconding.

As per inputs, Marak had travelled to Goalpara to purchase medicines prescribed by his doctor. But while returning he was detained by the Assam Police in Krishnai on July 2, 2024, and was sent to the rehabilitation centre. The police reportedly were unable to provide a valid reason for the victim’s detention.

However, two days later on July 4, Niksamseng’s family received a call from the rehab centre stating that he had died by hanging himself.