Assam Police have ruled out any apparent connection between the burning of a vehicle near the Upper Lampi Battalion Border Out Post along the Assam-Meghalaya border and the recent incidents reported in Shillong and Jorabat.
The incident is under investigation, and police have said that no evidence has emerged so far to link the vehicle fire with the recent tensions and incidents in the two areas.
Speaking to reporters at Boko Police Station on the evening of August 26, Boko-Chhaygaon Co-District Superintendent of Police Jankishore Gogoi said the preliminary investigation had not revealed anything suspicious or objectionable that could establish such a connection.
The vehicle, a private Alto car reportedly belonging to Assam Police Havildar Arbinda Roy of the 28th Battalion, was completely gutted after it caught fire near the battalion camp during the night.
According to preliminary information, the vehicle had been parked by the roadside near the camp. The poor condition of the approach road reportedly made it difficult to take the car inside the camp.
Police are now investigating whether the fire was accidental or whether it was deliberately started. An FIR has been registered at the Lampi Border Police Outpost, and a detailed investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the incident.
A forensic team from Guwahati has also visited the site and examined the burnt vehicle and surrounding area. Evidence has been collected and sent for further examination to help investigators establish how the fire started and whether there was any outside involvement.
Gogoi said the police would be able to get a clearer picture after receiving the reports from the investigating officer and the forensic experts.
“We will get a clearer picture after the investigating officer and the forensic team submit their reports,” Gogoi said, adding that more concrete information was expected within the next seven to 10 days.
Investigators are also examining the events leading up to the fire, including when and where the vehicle was parked and the circumstances under which it caught fire. Police are keeping all possibilities open at this stage, including the possibility of involvement by miscreants.
However, Gogoi said that no suspect has been identified and no motive has been established so far.
The incident had drawn attention because it took place in a sensitive area along the Assam-Meghalaya border at a time when concerns have been raised following recent incidents in Shillong and Jorabat.
Police, however, have made it clear that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the Upper Lampi vehicle fire was linked to those incidents.
