Guwahati, Aug 26 (IANS) A private vehicle belonging to Assam Police personnel was allegedly set on fire near the Upper Lampi Battalion Border Out Post in Boko, raising concern along the sensitive Assam‑Meghalaya border, officials said on Wednesday.
The vehicle, an Alto reportedly owned by Havildar Arbinda Roy of the 28th Battalion, was found completely gutted following the fire during the night. According to officials, the vehicle had been parked on the roadside near the battalion camp. The poor condition of the approach road reportedly prevented the vehicle from being taken inside the camp, following which it was left parked outside.
Police have initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances that led to the fire and whether the vehicle was deliberately targeted or caught fire accidentally. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of miscreants being involved in the incident. However, no individual has been identified or detained in connection with the case so far, and the exact cause of the fire remains unclear.
Police registered an FIR at the Lampi Border Police Outpost after the incident. Investigators are examining several aspects of the case, including where the vehicle was parked, the time of the incident, and activities in the area before the fire broke out.
A forensic team from Guwahati has also been dispatched to the site to collect samples and other evidence. The team is expected to examine the vehicle and surrounding area to establish the origin and manner of the fire.
Senior Assam Police officials, including Jan Kishore Gogoi, are expected to visit the spot and assess the situation.
The incident has taken on added significance as the Assam‑Meghalaya border remains sensitive following recent incidents reported in Shillong and Jorabat. The burning of a police personnel’s vehicle has triggered concerns among security authorities over the possibility of fresh tensions in the border areas.
Police officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and working to establish the facts behind the incident. Further details are expected after the forensic examination is completed and investigators make progress in the inquiry. Authorities have appealed for calm as the probe continues.
–IANS
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