TEZPUR, June 4 ? Eight security personnel including one Lance Naik of Assam police and seven Home Guards constables were placed under suspension after they failed to protect the life of two tea executives of Sapoi tea estates, who were dragged out of their residences by irate tea labourers and burnt to death on May 30 last.
The two tea executives were Anthony Unger (40) deputy manager and Susmit Kumar Singh (45) senior assistant manager of Sapoi tea estate under Dhekiajuli revenue circle. Debashis Chakraborty, secretary Assam Branch of India Tea Association (ABITA) Zone 3 talking to this correspondent said that the ABITA in a memorandum to the Chief Minister has demanded that the killers and conspirators of the preplanned murder of the two tea executives be apprehended and punished to mitigate the possibility of similar incidents in future.
In a condolence meeting held at Dhekiajuli on May 31, the tea fraternity demanded the provision of adequate security for the managerial personnel so that they can perform their duties without fear and anxiety. The meeting also resolved an institution of an independent enquiry into the dereliction of duty by home guards and security forces, the ABITA secretary said adding that the members also demanded compensation from the State Government and the Sonitpur district administration to the kith and kin of the murdered managerial staff.
Satyan Gogoi, Superintendent of Police Sonitpur said that altogether 31 persons including seven women were arrested by police in this connection and added that further investigation are on while the Deputy Commissioner, Sonitpur has ordered for a magisterial enquiry into the incident, sources said, although the situation is under control senior police officials are still camping there following the death of one tea labourer in police firing.