Guwahati: Massive protest erupts over the killing of 26-year-old Rituparna Pegu

Guwahati: Not to be deterred by the pattering rain that greeted Guwahati residents in the early hours of the morning today, at least a hundred protesters – many of whom belonged to indigenous organizations – took to the streets of Noonmati to protest the killing of 26-year-old Rituparna Pegu, who was mercilessly murdered yesterday in the area, apparently after a petty argument over a chair.

According to eyewitness accounts, the youth entered into a heated argument with 18-year-old Hussain Ali, who stabbed him in the back with a sharp object, following which Pegu collapsed by the roadside. Although Pegu was immediately rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The incident was captured in the CCTV of the shop in front of which the incident took place. This violent incident occurred in broad daylight, leaving Guwahati residents in shock and bewildered.

"Yesterday, an indigenous youth called Rituparna Pegu was killed by slitting his throat in this very spot. The Mishing community and others have come forth in protest for justice. We demand that there should a proper investigation, and the culprits should be sentenced to death by hanging", said a protester.

Many of the protesters could be seen getting enraged and shutters of the shop where Pegu was murdered – Arman Furnishing – were kicked by the agitators.

The police, trying to placate the agitators, said that they will try to ensure that justice is meted out. "We have arrested 5 including the owner of the shop. We have a lot of evidence; we even have CCTV footage, so we are carrying out the investigation", said an official who was keeping the peace in the protest area.

Meanwhile, demand has been raised for giving financial assistance to the deceased youth's wife and infant child. "The protesters are demanding that the Government give compensation to the family of the deceased person; we have urged them to jot down their demands on paper so that we can take it to the concerned authorities", added the official.

It is pertinent to mention that Guwahati Police has arrested 5 persons - Hussain Ali, Dulal Ali, Ibrahim Ali, Manuwara Khatun, and Arman Ali for the murder. A case vide Noonmati PS C/no. 294/20 u/s 147/148/149/302 IPC registered and an investigation is going on.

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