Port Blair, April 2 – In a disturbing development from the North Andaman district, the charred body of journalist Shahdeb Dey, missing since March 29, was discovered on Tuesday in a field at Deshbandu Nagar, Diglipur. The 38-year-old was the owner of the local news channel Republic Andaman, known for reporting on illegal activities such as timber smuggling, gambling, and hooch rackets.
Superintendent of Police Shweta K Sugathan confirmed the case as a homicide and announced the arrest of four individuals, including a woman. The suspects have been identified as:
Initial investigations suggest the murder may have stemmed from a personal dispute involving the woman, though the exact motive is still under examination.
During interrogation, police learned that on the night of March 29, around 8 p.m., Bitika allegedly called Shahdeb to meet her near Nehru Yuva Kendra in Diglipur. On arrival, Shahdeb was reportedly attacked with a blunt object by Rama Subramanian and collapsed. His body was then transported to a remote area in Deshbandu Nagar and set on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.
SP Sugathan stated, “The statements from the arrested individuals are contradictory. We are currently cross-verifying their accounts and investigating whether they are attempting to mislead the police.”
A forensic team from Port Blair has arrived in Diglipur to assist in the investigation. Authorities are awaiting their report to uncover further details.
Shahdeb Dey was known for his fearless reporting and was often vocal against illegal practices in the region. His last known activity was a call to his wife at 8:11 p.m. on March 29, informing her that he was in Madhupur and would return home within an hour. However, he never made it back. Earlier that evening, he was seen at the Diglipur fish market around 7:49 p.m.
Family members and colleagues have expressed their shock and demand a comprehensive probe. Alok Barui, a relative, stated, “He normally returned home between 8:30 to 9 p.m. That night, he called his wife one last time, and after that, he vanished. His phone was switched off. We later came to know he had been murdered.”
A friend added, “He had been running Republic Andaman for the past three years. A few months back, he was assaulted while exposing an illegal liquor racket. We want justice.”
Authorities continue to investigate the case with forensic support, as suspicions of deeper motives or potential conspiracies remain. Police have assured that further details will be disclosed once the forensic report is available.
Four Arrested in Suspected Murder Over Personal Enmity
Superintendent of Police Shweta K Sugathan confirmed the case as a homicide and announced the arrest of four individuals, including a woman. The suspects have been identified as:
- Gangaiyya, owner of a bar-cum-restaurant in Diglipur
- Rama Subramanian and Ramesh, both employees at the bar
- Bitika Mallik, a local woman believed to have lured Shahdeb to the crime scene
Initial investigations suggest the murder may have stemmed from a personal dispute involving the woman, though the exact motive is still under examination.
Reconstruction of the Crime
During interrogation, police learned that on the night of March 29, around 8 p.m., Bitika allegedly called Shahdeb to meet her near Nehru Yuva Kendra in Diglipur. On arrival, Shahdeb was reportedly attacked with a blunt object by Rama Subramanian and collapsed. His body was then transported to a remote area in Deshbandu Nagar and set on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.
SP Sugathan stated, “The statements from the arrested individuals are contradictory. We are currently cross-verifying their accounts and investigating whether they are attempting to mislead the police.”
A forensic team from Port Blair has arrived in Diglipur to assist in the investigation. Authorities are awaiting their report to uncover further details.
A Voice Against Illegal Activities
Shahdeb Dey was known for his fearless reporting and was often vocal against illegal practices in the region. His last known activity was a call to his wife at 8:11 p.m. on March 29, informing her that he was in Madhupur and would return home within an hour. However, he never made it back. Earlier that evening, he was seen at the Diglipur fish market around 7:49 p.m.
Family members and colleagues have expressed their shock and demand a comprehensive probe. Alok Barui, a relative, stated, “He normally returned home between 8:30 to 9 p.m. That night, he called his wife one last time, and after that, he vanished. His phone was switched off. We later came to know he had been murdered.”
A friend added, “He had been running Republic Andaman for the past three years. A few months back, he was assaulted while exposing an illegal liquor racket. We want justice.”
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to investigate the case with forensic support, as suspicions of deeper motives or potential conspiracies remain. Police have assured that further details will be disclosed once the forensic report is available.