Mizoram: Chakma villager disappears from BDO's custody

A Chakma villager and his wife were brutally beaten up by the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Lungsen block in Lunglei district, Mr John Tanpuia (Mizoram Civil Service, MCS) at Siphirtlang sub village under Lungsen village council in Lunglei district of Mizoram on 23 September 2011. Reason: The victim, Lobindra Chakma (44 years), s/o Chitra Kumar Chakma had complained to the Deputy Commissioner, Lunglei against denial of wages under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The BDO had asked Lobindra Chakma to saw teak logs which he refused on the grounds that he did not have partners. (one man cannot saw logs).

After his NREGS wages were withheld by the BDO, Lobindra Chakma filed a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner, Lunglei against the BDO. Enraged the BDO accompanied by one M Vanlal Hluna came to Siphirtlang village and brutally beat up Lobindra Chakma, and his wife, Ms Milebo Chakma in full public view. The Christian priest tried to prevent the assault but the BDO did not heed to the priest. (The victims are christians). Other villagers also did not dare to come to the victims’ rescue. Due to the severe assault, Lobindra Chakma vomited blood but the BDO continued to beat him. Chakma and Mizo villagers were witness to these brutalities.

Later, Lobindra Chakma was huddled into the BDO’s vehicle and taken to his quarter at Lungsen. Lobindra Chakma has not returned home till today. His whereabouts are unknown.

On 26 September 2011, Young Chakma Association (YCA) and Young Mizo Association (YMA) held meetings and launched joint search operations but could not locate the Chakma. 

It is a clear case of brutalities by a powerful official against a helpless villager. Shouldn't the Block Development Officer be prosecuted?