Guwahati, Dec 6: In a significant development, the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) of Titabor, in Assam’s Jorhat district, has directed a fresh investigation into the Dipankar Gogoi suicide case, rejecting the closure report submitted by the police. The case stems from allegations of police torture leading to Gogoi’s suicide.
Dipankar Gogoi, a former member of the anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), died by suicide at his residence in Birinasayek village on December 23, 2023.
His family alleged that his death was caused by severe police torture during his detention. Gogoi had been interrogated in connection with a grenade blast outside an Army camp earlier that month.
The FIR lodged by Rimlee Saikia, Gogoi’s sister, accused Mohanlal Meena, the then Superintendent of Police (SP) of Jorhat, of physical and mental harassment of her brother, leading to his suicide.
According to the family, Gogoi was detained on December 22, 2023, subjected to continuous torture for four days, and dropped home each night. The post-mortem report revealed bodily marks and bruises, indicating possible physical abuse.
The initial Investigating Officer (IO) reportedly ignored these findings, failed to record witness statements, and submitted a closure report dismissing allegations of police misconduct.
After reviewing the post-mortem report, protest petition, and submissions from Rimlee’s counsel, the court emphasized the importance of a fair and transparent investigation.
The magistrate highlighted the constitutional right to a fair trial and stated that a credible investigation is vital for public confidence and accountability.
The court rejected the closure report and directed a re-investigation by a senior police officer appointed by the current SP of Jorhat. The court instructed the new IO to investigate without bias or favour, adhering to constitutional morality and the principles of justice.
The court underscored the duty of police officers to uphold justice and fairness in a democratic system, the consequences of neglecting the cries of victims, which could undermine public trust in democracy and the necessity of an independent and thorough investigation to ensure justice.
“Considering the protest petition, FIR, other documents, submission of the learned counsel of informant and rank and file of the accused person in this case, this court is of the opinion that for ensuring public confidence, accountability, transparency, this case must be re-investigated by a senior police personnel who wil be selected by the present SP, Jorhat and who shall investigate the case without fair and favour following the constitutional morality and oath which was taken at the time of joining the service,” the court said in the order.
“It is to be reminded that the fair investigation only can ensure fair trial, which is a constitutional right, hence it solemn duty of the IO to conduct a fair and just investigation in a democratic set-up if the cry of the victim is not fairly heard then the whole façade of democratic polity will collapse,” the court added.
