Guwahati, Aug 31, 2025 — The body of a young man from Tukrapara, under Chhaygaon Police Station in Kamrup district, has been recovered from the Kolohi River. Ajahar Ali, employed as a delivery boy with a private online company in Guwahati, went missing two days earlier. The authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Local fishermen spotted the lifeless body floating in the Kolohi River on Sunday morning and alerted nearby residents. The police reached the spot shortly afterward and retrieved the body.
The deceased has been identified as Ajahar Ali, aged around 24, a resident of Tukrapara. Friends said he had last been seen on Friday evening, after he finished his shift. His whereabouts had been unknown until the grim discovery.
Immediate Response by Authorities
The Chhaygaon Police, along with district forensic teams, rushed to the scene for preliminary examination. The body was brought to a nearby hospital for post-mortem and identification procedures. The local Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) will oversee autopsy and corroborate the cause of death.
Senior officers confirmed that missing person complaints, filed by Ajahar’s family on Saturday night, helped police track the case promptly. They added that the autopsy report would be forwarded to the state’s forensic bureau once complete.
Family Seeks Clarity and Closure
The bereaved family is grappling with the sudden and tragic loss. Ajahar’s mother, visibly distressed, pleaded for a timely and transparent investigation. She demanded answers about how her son ended up in the river and urged authorities to rule out foul play.
Nearby relatives and neighbours gathered at the hospital, hoping for more details. Local leaders have expressed solidarity with the grieving family and called for swift justice.
Investigation Directions
Detectives are exploring multiple possibilities, including accidental drowning, misadventure, or potential foul play. The river’s strong currents have made it difficult to determine the cause from body positioning alone.
Efforts are underway to trace Ajahar’s last call logs, delivery routes, and any CCTV footage near the river or on his ride path. Investigators also plan to record statements from his last known contacts and colleagues.
Forensic teams are expected to conduct toxicology tests, along with external and internal examinations. Weather and water flow data for the prior days will help reconstruct timelines and identify possible drop points.
River Safety and Local Concerns
The tragic incident has reignited concerns about public safety around rivers in Assam. The Kolohi River, with its swift currents and irregular banks, poses serious risks to unwary visitors.
Community leaders are urging district authorities to install warning signs and barricades at dangerous spots. “We must prevent such tragedies through awareness and better infrastructure,” said a village head. Local schools and youth forums are planning drives to educate residents about water bodies and emergency response.
Administrative Action and Outreach
Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup has assured monitoring of the investigation. The administration has also promised financial aid to Ajahar’s family under the state’s ex-gratia scheme for accidental deaths.
Local NGOs have committed to offering counselling and legal guidance to the family. Civil society groups are calling for uniform safety protocols across Assam’s rivers, especially near urban fringes.
Broader Pattern of River Accidents
Drowning and river accidents remain a persistent problem in Assam. Annual statistics from the state health department reveal that hundreds of such deaths go unrecorded due to lack of surveillance and reporting constraints.
Efforts by state agencies, including the Rural Development Department’s Jal Dharo Yojana, aim to improve riverbank safety. However, experts say implementation gaps and lack of coordination reduce impact.
Resident experts urge a multi-pronged approach involving community activism, infrastructure, and early warning systems to prevent further tragedies.
What to Watch Next
- The autopsy report, expected in the coming days, may clarify cause of death—be it natural, accidental, or suspicious.
- Police follow-up on CCTV, call records, and eyewitness statements may yield clues.
- Public reaction and local media scrutiny will test investigative transparency.
- Government response on river safety measures could expand to high-risk areas across Assam.
Call to Action
Residents near rivers should exercise extreme caution and avoid entering water bodies alone. Family members of missing persons are urged to report cases immediately and preserve electronic and documentary evidence.
If you have any information regarding Ajahar’s disappearance or movements, contact the Chhaygaon Police or submit tips through the Assam Police portal. Communities should also demand improved perimeter safety at local rivers and collaborate on awareness campaigns for such hazards.
