an Assam-origin labourer was found murdered near an under-construction building in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The victim, identified as Prabash Doley of Misamora village in Assam’s Dhemaji district, had been temporarily living in Sood Village, Naharlagun.
According to Itanagar Police, Doley’s body was discovered near a Bharat Petroleum outlet close to his construction worksite. Investigations revealed that the fatal incident stemmed from a late-night noise dispute with another resident.
Victim Was Employed in Ongoing Construction Work
Prabash Doley, aged 34, had been in Naharlagun for the past two months. Further, he was employed as a daily wage labourer at a multi-storey building project.
Police said that the conflict occurred late Tuesday night when Doley was reportedly involved in a verbal altercation with a fellow resident over loud music and commotion near the labourers’ camp. The dispute escalated quickly.
“Preliminary reports suggest that the noise argument turned violent, leading to a fatal assault. We received a call around midnight from nearby residents,” said Inspector T. Yayang of Naharlagun Police Station.
Suspect Taken into Custody
The suspect, identified as a 29-year-old male from Arunachal Pradesh, was detained early Wednesday morning. Police tracked him down based on witness statements and CCTV footage from the Bharat Petroleum outlet.
“He was trying to flee when we apprehended him from a nearby location. During questioning, he confessed to striking Doley during the argument. Moreover, the weapon has been recovered, and forensic analysis is underway,” added Inspector Yayang.
The accused has been charged under relevant sections of the IPC and will be produced before the judicial magistrate in Yupia.
Assam Government Reaches Out to Family
The Assam government has expressed deep concern over the incident. Also, Dhemaji district authorities have been asked to assist Doley’s family with all necessary legal and logistical support.
“We have spoken to Arunachal officials and requested a fair and fast investigation. The victim’s family is being contacted for repatriation of the body,” an Assam Home Department official told the media.
Doley is survived by his wife and two children, who depended on his income. A request has been submitted to the Assam Labour Welfare Board for immediate relief to the family.
Labour Safety in Focus Again
The murder has reignited concerns over migrant labour safety in the northeastern region. Labourers from Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal form a large part of the workforce in Arunachal Pradesh’s construction sector.
“This incident is not just about one fight. It points to growing tensions and lack of proper housing and security for migrant labourers,” said Rajib Nath, a local workers’ rights activist.
He urged both Assam and Arunachal governments to create a joint mechanism to address the vulnerability of outstation labourers working in difficult urban zones like Itanagar.
Political Reactions On Labourer
Local Congress leaders in Dhemaji have demanded compensation and justice for the deceased. Meanwhile, BJP leaders in Arunachal have assured the public that the administration is committed to preventing such incidents in the future.
Investigation Continues
Post-mortem results are awaited to confirm the cause of death. A police team has also been dispatched to gather more evidence and question others present at the time of the incident.
Authorities have not ruled out filing additional charges if more individuals are found to be involved in the attack.
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