Editor
GUWAHATI: In a significant development concerning the suspicious death of Sub-Inspector (SI) Junmoni Rabha in Morikolong, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed the Assam Director General of Police (DGP), GP Singh, to visit the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in New Delhi on June 12. The purpose of the visit is to explore the possibility of transferring the death case of SI Junmoni Rabha from the Assam Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to the premier investigating agency, the CBI.
Speaking to the media, Assam DGP GP Singh stated, "As per the instructions of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, I will be visiting the CBI office on June 12. We will engage in discussions with senior CBI officials in New Delhi. We hope that after the deliberations, the case of SI Junmoni Rabha's death will be transferred to the CBI."
It is important to note that the CBI has jurisdiction to investigate crimes only in Union Territories. However, with the consent of the respective state government, the central government can authorize the CBI to investigate a crime in a state.
Earlier, on May 20, Assam DGP GP Singh officially recommended the transfer of all four cases registered in Nagaon and Lakhimpur districts of Assam to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This decision came after a thorough examination of all aspects of the case and discussions with the CID Assam and senior police officers.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, DGP GP Singh explained, "I have decided to transfer the investigation to the CBI based on two factors. Firstly, considering the public sentiment, their desires, and demands to transfer the cases to the CBI. Secondly, given that one of our own officers has lost her life, it is appropriate that the case be investigated by an impartial agency."
The Assam Police has recommended to the state government the transfer of all four cases, including the case (Nagaon PS case vide no. 443/23) being investigated by SI Rabha, to the CBI. The other cases registered in connection with the suspicious death of SI Rabha are the Lakhimpur PS case (183/23) on May 15, 2023, and two cases in Jakhalabandha PS (84/23) on May 16, 2023, and (87/23) on May 19, 2023, as confirmed by the DGP.