Body of Missing Bidi Seller Returned to West Bengal; Lakhipur Police Make Arrests

Lakhipur, 9 November – The body of Rahul Sheikh, a bidi seller from Murshidabad, West Bengal, who went missing earlier this week, has been recovered and returned to his hometown following a post-mortem. Rahul’s body was discovered on Thursday buried in Jujang Hills, Cachar, after his father, Abdul Halim, took personal initiative in the search.

Rahul, last seen on Monday, was reported missing by his family when he failed to return from Jirighat market. His motorcycle, bidi sacks, and sandals were found abandoned near the Jujang Hills National Highway, raising initial concerns of foul play. Despite his family’s appeals to Lakhipur police, it was local residents and family members who uncovered his burial site.

Following the discovery, Lakhipur police took custody of the body and transported it to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem examination. The examination was completed on Friday, after which the family transported Rahul’s body back to West Bengal for his final rites.

In a significant development, Lakhipur police have now apprehended two suspects in connection with Rahul’s death. Identified as Iqbal Sheikh and Selim Sheikh, both suspects are from Murshidabad and were engaged in business activities in the Cachar region. Police reports indicate the arrests were made early on Saturday morning in Silchar.

The suspects, believed to be involved in disputes with Rahul over business territory, were taken into custody on Saturday morning and later presented in Lakhipur court. Police have secured a five-day remand for further questioning to investigate the extent of their involvement in the crime.

Rahul’s family had previously filed complaints against other vendors, alleging business-related conflicts. Although initial suspects were detained and released earlier in the week, police are now prioritising the case to ascertain any other potential suspects and motives behind the murder.