Guwahati: A 56-year-old temple priest was killed by unidentified assailants near Kokrajhar railway station in lower Assam early today, prompting Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to appeal to the people to maintain peace.
Four men wearing black clothes killed priest Nikhil Debnath at Kokrajhar Daily Bazar Shani Mandir premises, and looted Rs 2.30 lakh and two gold chains from his house located in the temple premises.
Kokrajhar Superintendent of Police Rajen Sing said the motive was robbery and one person was arrested in this connection.
The chief minister condemned the killing and sent Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Mukesh Agarwala to Kokrajhar to probe the case.
Sonowal said Assam Government has been taking strong action against all forces which are trying to disrupt peace and create law and order situation in the state.
Meanwhile, Bodoland Territorial Council chief Hagrama Mohilary and state Forest Minister Promila Rani Brahma visited the spot and appealed all to maintain peace.
The BTC Chief also declared Rs 2 Lakh to the next of kin of the slain priest’s family from BTC funds.
—PTI