Chhimi Dema

Thimphu police arrested the roommate of a 38-year-old man, who succumbed to stab injuries on the morning of May 14 from Khariphu.

The roommate, who went missing when the man was found dead by a colleague, was arrested from his village opposite Wangsisina at 11:30pm of May 14. The two were working together in a private company.

Police officials said they knew the man was in his village through their informants. “He confessed to the crime,” a police officer said.

Officials also confirmed that the deceased was stabbed in the chest with a kitchen knife.

Autopsy reports stated he succumbed to the injuries around 2am of May 14.

The deceased, who was from Samtse, is survived by his wife and three children. The youngest one is only a month old.

Meanwhile, residents in the locality are still shocked by the murder and scared to send their children outside to play.

A resident, Yangdey, 20, said children play in the ground in front of the building where the murder occurred. “I am happy that the suspect is caught,” she said. “I was so scared to even send my sister to play outside.”

She said she never expected a murder to take place in the locality. “It was so disturbing to see the wife of the deceased faint on May 14. I kept thinking of his wife and children.”

Another resident, Deki, said it is unfortunate a family had to lose the bread earner. “Whatever the reasons maybe, I don’t think anyone should die like this. I hope his family gets justice.”