A senior Buddhist monk was found dead inside a monastery in Margherita Co-District on Sunday, in a case that police are treating as a suspected murder. The incident took place at Inthem Mungong Buddha Vihar, located about 20 kilometres from the Margherita sub-divisional headquarters in Assam’s Tinsukia district.
The monk, identified as Indrabonsho Bhikkhu, was the chief monk of the monastery. His body was discovered inside one of the rooms early on November 23. Police officers said they recovered a blood-stained axe lying next to the body, raising strong suspicion that the monk may have been attacked.
Meanwhile, The All Assam Tangsa Students’ Union (AATSU) has strongly condemned the death of a senior Buddhist monk who was found dead under suspicious circumstances at the Inthem Buddhist Monastery in the Margherita Sub-Division. The incident, which took place on November 23, has created shock and concern across the local community and religious circles. 
AATSU called the killing a “barbaric act” and said it was a serious violation of the peaceful and spiritual environment of the monastery. The union expressed its condolences to the monks and the wider Buddhist community, noting that the loss of such a well-regarded leader has caused great sorrow in the region.
The organisation also placed several demands before the government. These include the immediate arrest of those responsible within 24 hours, a transparent and speedy investigation, and a fast-track trial to ensure strong punishment for the culprits. AATSU further urged the government to provide better security for religious places and leaders, especially in areas where such institutions are vulnerable.
