HT Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Aug 3: In a sensational case that has left residents of Lahon Gaon in Barbaruah stunned, police have arrested four persons – including the wife and teenage daughter – in connection with the murder of a local businessman whose body was recovered from his residence on July 25.
The deceased, Uttam Gogoi (52), was found dead at his home in Barbaruah area under suspicious circumstances.
While the incident initially appeared to be a robbery, the investigation has revealed that the killing was allegedly a premeditated act planned by his wife and 16-year-old daughter, police said.
A police team arrested Gogoi’s wife, their Class IX daughter, and two others – Dipjyoti Buragohain (21) and a 17-year-old boy – on Sunday morning, eight days after the crime, Dibrugarh Superintendent of Police Rakesh Reddy informed.
Investigators say the teenage daughter was in a relationship with Buragohain and, along with her mother, had allegedly hired him and his minor accomplice to carry out the murder.
According to the police, the mother-daughter duo paid the accused a large amount of money and handed over gold jewellery as part of the deal. The jewellery has since been recovered.
“They tried to pass it off as a robbery to mislead investigators, but their statements were inconsistent and forensic evidence revealed their involvement,” SP Reddy said.
The incident has shocked the otherwise quiet locality where Gogoi was regarded as a respected businessman.
News of the arrests triggered protests in Barbaruah, with angry locals demanding exemplary punishment for all involved in the alleged conspiracy.
The motive behind the killing is yet to be officially ascertained.
“The investigation is still underway. We are questioning the accused to determine the exact reason behind the murder,” the SP added.