Chencho Dema

A 21-year-old open-air prisoner in Pemathang,  Samdrupjongkhar was found dead under mysterious circumstances, allegedly murdered by another prisoner in the early hours of September 23.

The suspect, in his early 30s and from Gelephu, has three years remaining on his sentence and was known to the victim prior to the incident. The victim, convicted of smuggling marijuana during the Covid-19 pandemic, had about two years left to serve. He was convicted for five years.

While the exact timing of the incident is unclear, sources indicate that the victim’s family was notified of his death around 2:30 AM on September 23.

The victim had sustained a stab wound to the lower abdomen, defensive wounds on his hands suggesting a struggle, and head injuries likely inflicted with a blunt object. He was pronounced dead at the scene upon the arrival of medical personnel.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a patang, a traditional sword, was used as the murder weapon.

One prisoner with a forehead injury was taken to Dewathang Hospital for treatment on September 23. He was observed for a few hours before being discharged, though it remains unclear whether he was involved in the altercation.

Some sources claim he was injured while attempting to intervene, while others alleged that he was part of the conflict.

Amid circulating rumours, there are conflicting accounts regarding the nature of the incident.

Some witnesses suggest a gang fight, while others believe the victim and suspect had a confrontation earlier that day, which had been diffused. However, that night, the 21-year-old was found stabbed, and the reasons for the altercation and its specific timing are still uncertain.

The suspect was identified the following day and has been arrested.

Sources said that over 10 open-air prisoners were also detained in connection with the case. Some sources claim that a group of prisoners may have taken the victim to a secluded area where the attack occurred. However, this remains to be verified.

The body of the deceased was handed over to the deceased’s brother-in-law and was cremated yesterday. The deceased was from Sarpang.

The deceased was the only son in the family, with five elder sisters and one younger sister.

A police investigation team departed for the site yesterday morning to conduct their inquiry.