Boy burnt alive by friends

The burning alive of a 15-year-old boy, allegedly by three friends, in a remote area at Dhekiajuli in Assam’s Sonitpur district triggered public anger and arson on Wednesday, the police said.

Rajesh Kurmi of Bherveri village, who was dragged out of his house and set on fire on Tuesday night, in his dying declaration on Wednesday morning, named three students aged 10, 11 and 15. The boys were subsequently detained by the police for interrogation.

Security was stepped up and peace meetings were held after the torching of their houses by an agitated mob led to tension in greater Missamari and adjoining areas.

The local All-Bodo Students Union unit has demanded a judicial probe, and called for peace and upholding of communal harmony.