Champhai, Mizoram: A wave of outrage swept through Bethel Veng, Champhai, on July 4, as residents staged a fiery demonstration outside the local police station. The flashpoint? The reported bail granted to nine individuals implicated in the brutal murder of 28-year-old Pausianmuanga. The protest, spearheaded by the Young Mizo Association (YMA), saw an enraged populace point fingers squarely at the police, alleging gross negligence and a failure to file a chargesheet within the stipulated 90-day window, a lapse they claim paved the way for the accused’s release.
Pausianmuanga met his tragic end on March 29, allegedly during a violent group altercation at a football ground in Champhai, after a fatal fall from a pavilion. Despite being rushed to hospital, he succumbed to his grievous injuries. “The inaction of police is an insult to the people. We believe the case in-charge officer is not taking proactive measures because the victim belonged to a poor family,” fumed one demonstrator, encapsulating the collective sentiment of betrayal and injustice. While police had indeed apprehended nine individuals in connection with Pausianmuanga’s death, including Lalruatthara who surrendered on March 29, the community’s trust now appears to be severely shaken.
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