Shocking Crime Unfolds in Jorhat
In a disturbing incident that has shaken Assam's Jorhat district, a 63-year-old self-proclaimed faith healer has been arrested for the brutal murder of an 18-year-old pregnant teenager whose body was discovered in a septic tank. The accused, identified as Jagat Singha, has been booked under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act alongside murder charges.
Gruesome Discovery and Investigation
The victim's body was recovered in the early hours of Monday, precisely at 3:30 AM, following a four-day intensive search operation after her family reported her missing on November 7. Police investigations revealed the young college student was approximately seven months pregnant at the time of her death, having celebrated her 18th birthday just two months earlier.
According to Jorhat SSP Subhrajyoti Borah, the investigation took a crucial turn when police learned that Singha had taken the victim to a doctor seeking abortion services. The doctor estimated her pregnancy to be between 7-8 months, making termination illegal at that advanced stage.
Multiple Arrests and Community Outrage
Police have made multiple arrests in connection with the case:
- Jagat Singha - Primary accused who confessed to the murder
- Local pharmacist - Arrested for knowing about the pregnancy but failing to report it
- Jibon and Kishan - Singha's sons, aged 40 and 31, for assisting in the crime
The case took another dramatic turn when Singha attempted to take his own life while in police custody on November 9, requiring immediate medical treatment. It was after this incident that he eventually broke down and confessed to the crime, leading police to the septic tank where he had disposed of the body.
Superstition and Faith Healing Connection
Investigators revealed that the victim's connection with the accused began through what appears to be superstitious beliefs. The family mentioned that Singha had given her a special pen, claiming it would bring good results in her examinations if she used it for writing. This practice, locally known as 'joraphuka' or faith healing, seems to have been the initial point of contact between the victim and her alleged killer.
The shocking nature of the crime sparked public outrage, with local residents protesting what they perceived as negligence by the Officer-in-Charge of the local police station. The police department has responded by placing the officer in reserve closed and initiating a departmental inquiry into the handling of the case.
SSP Borah emphasized that while the victim cannot speak for herself, statements from her friend suggest she might have had some form of relationship with the accused. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the complete sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome.
