Guwahati, Oct 12: Five days after the recovery of Himashree Boro’s body and the subsequent formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe her death in Andhra Pradesh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Monday, visited the bereaved family at Chapaidong in Guwahati.
Offering condolences and prayers to the family, Sarma said that he has written to the Union Railway Minister and the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, seeking a proper probe into the case.
“Family members and people have their doubts and suspicions on the case. We have already sent Assam Police IGP to Andhra Pradesh so as to take the investigation forward,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister’s visit comes amid growing demands for justice for Boro, whose death has raised concerns over the safety of people from Assam travelling to other states.
Earlier on Sunday, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) organised candlelight processions at district headquarters across the state, demanding justice for Boro and stronger measures to ensure women’s safety.
AASU chief adviser Samujjal Bhattacharya said the vigils were organised at the request of the union’s central leadership, reiterating that the organisation’s demands centred on justice for Boro and the safety of women.
“There is strong negligence and lapses of authorities in Boro’s case,” Bhattacharya alleged, calling for accountability from the authorities concerned.
Boro, a 20-year-old student of B Borooah College in Guwahati and a dancer, had travelled to Visakhapatnam with a dance troupe to participate in a cultural event.
She boarded the Dibrugarh-bound Vivek Express on October 6 to return to Assam but went missing during the journey.
Her body was subsequently recovered near the railway tracks between Dusi and Ponduru stations in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district.
Before losing contact with her family and friends, Boro reportedly expressed concern about being surrounded by men in the crowded train compartment.
Her last communications have since become a key focus of public concern over the circumstances of her death.
Subsequently, Andhra Pradesh Police constituted an SIT to investigate the case, with forensic teams, dog squads and drone teams assisting the probe.
Investigators have examined the crime scene and are looking into the possible circumstances leading to her death.
The post-mortem report, according to Andhra Pradesh Police, ruled out physical and sexual violence. However, the circumstances that led to her death remain under investigation.