Karbi youth killed in coke factory; AATSU seeks Governor’s intervention amid allegations of police–criminal nexus

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 16, 2025

The All Assam Tribal Students Union (AATSU) on Monday urged Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya to intervene in the case of Deboram Ronghang, a 30-year-old Karbi youth who was allegedly beaten to death by coke factory workers at 14th Mile in Guwahati on June 7.

In a memorandum submitted Monday, AATSU accused both the police and district administration of inaction more than a week after the incident. According to the union, Ronghang—hailing from Korkanthi village in West Karbi Anglong—was employed at G.M. Coke, a factory located at 14th Mile and owned by Pradeep Mittal. He was allegedly assaulted by the factory manager, Manab Roy, and several workers, and later died from his injuries after reportedly being denied timely medical treatment.

Thirteen other Karbi workers, including child labourers, were also injured during the incident. Four remain in serious condition in hospital. AATSU has accused the factory of systemic abuse, including forcing tribal workers into unpaid overtime, violating the Wages Act of 1936, and employing children in hazardous, unhygienic conditions in violation of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.

GGKSA president Sengkan Hanse alleged that the police are shielding the factory management. “Though police arrested manager Manab Roy and associate Pankaj Binapani under pressure from GGKSA, both were later released despite being booked for murder,” Hanse said. Two other workers, Madan Biswas and Manish Kumar, remain in jail custody.

Hanse also claimed the factory failed to inform Ronghang’s family or arrange urgent medical care. “He might have survived if treated on time,” he said.

Former general secretary of the Amri Karbi Students Association (AKSA), Dharmeswar Teron, echoed these concerns. “We urged police to invoke provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, but they’ve shown no seriousness,” he said.

AATSU has demanded the arrest of all accused, strict enforcement of relevant laws, and full accountability from the authorities. The student body warned that the continuing denial of justice to tribal labourers would escalate tensions and deepen community mistrust toward law enforcement.