A murder investigation has been launched after Indrabonsho Bhikkhu, the chief monk of Inthem Mungong Buddha Vihar in Margherita, Tinsukia district, was found dead inside the century-old monastery on Sunday morning.
Police discovered the monk’s body in bed with a blood-stained axe lying beside it. Deep cut wounds on his face suggest he was brutally attacked while sleeping. The historic monastery, built in 1885, is located approximately 22 km from Margherita town.
“We received information about the incident early Sunday morning. The body has been sent for postmortem examination, and we are awaiting the report. Sniffer dogs have been pressed into service to aid the investigation. We are examining all possible angles and collecting evidence from the crime scene,” a senior police officer stated.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the local Buddhist community, where Indrabonsho Bhikkhu was a highly respected spiritual leader. Residents have demanded swift justice for the heinous crime.
“This is unprecedented in our peaceful area. A holy man, dedicated to spiritual pursuits, brutally killed in his own monastery—it’s unthinkable. We demand a thorough investigation into the incident,” said a local youth.
The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) strongly condemned the murder, calling it a barbaric act. Konseng Gogoi, general secretary of AASU Tinsukia district, stated: “The murder of a religious leader has deeply concerned the conscious society. We demand that the police apprehend the miscreant(s) involved in this heinous murder at the earliest and award exemplary punishment.”
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the brutal killing of the 58-year-old monk.
