Tense scenes gripped Bongaigaon on Thursday morning after the body of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Khargeswar Rabha, an officer posted in the Chief Minister’s Vigilance Cell, was recovered from a hotel room in North Bongaigaon, prompting police to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The body was found lying on the floor of Room No. 102 at Hotel Jahnavi Regency, where the officer had been staying since October 18 on what authorities described as a personal visit. Bongaigaon police recovered the body and initiated an inquiry, with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nomal Mahatta visiting the hotel shortly after the incident came to light.
Addressing the media at the spot, Mahatta said Rabha had arrived at the hotel alone and was on leave at the time of his death. The officer had reportedly spoken to his wife on Wednesday morning, after which he was not in contact with his family.
“We received the information this morning and immediately came to the hotel. DSP Khargeswar Rabha, who was posted in the CM Vigilance Cell, had been staying here since October 18. His body was found lying on the floor of the room,” the SSP said.
Mahatta added that Rabha appeared to have been unwell, but stressed that the exact circumstances of his death could only be established after a thorough investigation. “He was a dedicated officer who had served in the Special Branch and the CM Vigilance Cell. He had come here alone, driving his own car. His body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and his family has arrived in Bongaigaon. We are in contact with them,” he said.
According to the SSP, Rabha had served in different districts of Assam over the course of his career and had previously been posted in Bongaigaon district as well. The officer hailed from Boko and was residing at the Special Branch residential complex in Kahilipara, Guwahati.
Police are examining the events leading up to the incident, while the post-mortem examination is expected to help determine the cause of death. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
