Five arrested after Assam man’s suspicious death in Nagaland rehab centre

Guwahati: Dimapur Police have arrested five people, including the owner of a rehabilitation centre in Chekiye village, after the unexplained death of a 46-year-old man from Assam triggered serious suspicion.

The deceased, Pradeep Basumatary of Aojan in Ganeshpuri under Golaghat district, was found with several injury marks that suggested he may have been assaulted before his death.

Officials said the case came to light on Wednesday around 3 pm when Diphuphar Police Station received an alert from Referral Hospital, stating that a patient brought in from the rehab facility had been declared dead on arrival.

A police team rushed to the hospital and the attending doctor confirmed Basumatary’s death, prompting officers to register a suo motu FIR and begin a detailed probe.

During the inquest, investigators recorded multiple injuries on the body, including bruises on both lower limbs and the buttocks, as well as marks on his legs, left cheek and left hand. The injuries appeared to be caused by blunt-force impact, police said.

The body was later transported to Dimapur District Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the nature of the injuries and establish the actual cause of death.

As the investigation progressed, police detained four staff members believed to be directly linked to the incident, along with the centre’s owner. Officials noted that additional arrests may follow based on evidence.

Alongside the criminal investigation, authorities have launched a separate inquiry into the rehabilitation centre itself. Teams will scrutinize its licence, operational standards, and the quality of medical and mental-health services provided to residents.

Dimapur Police have assured that all forensic and legal procedures are being strictly followed. The Commissioner of Police said the case is being handled with full seriousness and that strong action will follow once the final findings are established.