2 bodies found after anti-CAA rally in Meghalaya, victims beaten to death, reports local media

The dead have been identified as L. Esan Sing and L. Sujit Dutta. Both were from 'non-indigenous' communities.

Representational image | ANI

Guwahati: Two people were found dead in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district Wednesday evening, a short while after an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rally was organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) at Ichamati area, local media reported.

While the reports said the victims — who belonged to “non-indigenous” communities — were allegedly beaten to death by miscreants after the rally, the police said facts are yet to be corroborated and details ascertained.

Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, Rituraj Ravi told ThePrint that a probe was on to find out whether there was any link between the deaths and the anti-CAA rally.

The two bodies were found at Ichamati and Dalda areas respectively, and the dead have been identified as L. Esan Sing and L. Sujit Dutta.

“Inquest and postmortem are yet to be done. Teams from local PS and additional teams from Shillong are at site. Further details to be shared,” said Ravi. “The situation is normal now. However, we are investigating.”

The police said no first information reports had been filed yet by the deceased’s families or anyone related to them. The bodies were recovered along the roads by local residents, the police told ThePrint.

The anti-CAA rally of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and other non-governmental organisations started around 3:30 pm on Wednesday. A member of the KSU said it was “too early to comment”.

ThePrint reached out to East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner S.C. Sadhu over phone and messages, but could not elicit a response.

Parts of the Northeast have seen protests and demonstrations by student groups this month demanding the repeal of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the interest of the indigenous Assamese population.

The Act, which gives Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities of neighbouring countries, has faced major push back, particularly in Assam, as indigenous people fear the influx of immigrants will alter the demographic fabric of the region.

(Edited by Tikli Basu)