Lakhimpur, Assam – In a chilling incident that sparked panic among early morning commuters, a six-year-old girl was allegedly killed inside a moving train in Assam’s Lakhimpur district on Friday. Railway authorities arrested the victim’s father shortly after the attack, though he has since denied any role in the crime, claiming he was also a target of assault.
The tragedy unfolded around 9:15 am aboard a general coach of the Dekargaon–Murkongselek Express. According to officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the train was approaching Silonibari station when fellow passengers noticed the child, later identified as Sumi Murmu, being attacked.
RPF and GRP Swiftly Nab Accused
Personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) rushed to the spot immediately after receiving distress calls from terrified passengers. Authorities swiftly apprehended the prime suspect, identified as the girl’s father, Sunil Murmu.
A spokesperson for the NFR confirmed that eyewitness statements were recorded on-site, and the child’s body was taken into custody for post-mortem and further legal procedures.
“After completing the initial documentation and securing the body, the train resumed its journey, departing from Silonibari at 10:58 am,” the spokesperson added.
Weapon Yet to Be Recovered, Motive Unclear
Officials have stated that the motive behind the alleged attack remains unclear. Adding to the mystery, the weapon used in the crime has not yet been recovered. Investigators are currently scouring the route between stations, though no breakthroughs have been reported so far.
Authorities also noted that the accused, Sunil Murmu, does not appear to be in a fully conscious state. Sources close to the investigation revealed that he has been unable to provide coherent details about the incident, including his own place of residence.
‘No, Everyone Attacked Me’: Father Denies Role
In a brief and unsettling interaction with the press following his arrest, Sunil Murmu categorically denied killing his daughter.
When asked directly if he had murdered the six-year-old, he responded, “No. Everyone attacked me.”
The visibly disoriented man claimed ignorance about the circumstances that led to passengers confronting him. “I don’t know why people attacked me,” he said, attempting to distance himself from the crime.
Murmu went on to allege that someone else present in the train coach was responsible for the child’s death. “It was not me… someone else in the train killed her,” he asserted, adding that the pair had been traveling from Biswanath Chariali.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are currently examining multiple angles, including cross-referencing eyewitness testimonies to reconstruct the exact sequence of events. Given the accused’s erratic statements and alleged semi-conscious state, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of a sudden psychotic episode or an external altercation inside the crowded general coach.
The Railway Police have registered a case and are awaiting forensic reports and the results of the victim’s autopsy. Further investigation is ongoing as officials work to determine exactly what led to the brutal death of the young girl on board the moving express.