On the morning of May 2, 2025, the tranquil grounds of Tashiding Monastery in Sikkim were disrupted by a brutal assault. Anand Rai, a 30-year-old from Lower Yangtey, was ambushed by five men armed with sharp weapons while dropping off two female passengers. The attackers fled into nearby forests, leaving Rai with grievous injuries. What followed was a race against time, Gyalshing Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) located and arrested all five suspects within 96 hours, drawing praise and curiosity. Here’s how they did it.
The Attack: A Daylight Ambush
At approximately 9:00 AM, Rai was attacked near Tashiding Monastery. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants used knives and blunt objects, leaving Rai bleeding heavily before fleeing into the dense forest terrain. He was rushed to a hospital, where doctors classified his injuries as “grievous.” The absence of clear motives or prior altercations deepened the mystery. An FIR was registered under Sections 118(2), 126(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023—marking one of the first high-profile cases under India’s new penal code.
The SIT’s Formation: Swift Response to Public Outcry
Within hours of the attack, Gyalshing Police constituted an SIT led by the District Superintendent of Police. The team’s mandate was clear:
- Secure evidence: Collect weapons, blood samples, and CCTV footage.
- Identify suspects: Use witness descriptions and local informants.
- Prevent rumors: The attack’s proximity to a sacred site risked sparking communal tension.
Public pressure mounted as the news spread, but the SIT’s methodical approach prevented misinformation.
The 96-Hour Manhunt: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Phase 1: The First 24 Hours (Crime Scene to Clues)
- Forensic Sweep: Bloodstain analysis and weapon fragments suggested multiple attackers.
- Digital Traces: Mobile tower data placed suspects near the crime scene.
- Witness Sketches: Two female passengers provided key descriptions.
Phase 2: The Forest Chase (Days 2–3)
- Terrain Challenges: Dense forests and steep hills slowed searches.
- Drones & K9 Units: Thermal cameras and sniffer dogs tracked movement.
- Local Tip-offs: Villagers reported sightings of “young men with injuries.”
Phase 3: The Midnight Raid (Day 4)
On May 6, the SIT stormed hideouts in Langang and Middle Lingchom, arresting all five suspects:
- Rakesh Subba (26): Alleged ringleader found with blood-stained clothes.
- Rohan Gurung (22): A college student caught at a relative’s home.
- Ram Hang Subba (29), Bhim Tamang (23), Awaz Rai (22): Hiding in an abandoned shed.
Suspect Profiles: From Students to Fugitives
- Rohan Gurung: A 22-year-old student from Mangalbaria, Jhusingthang, with no prior criminal record. His involvement shocked locals.
- Langang Trio: Ram, Bhim, and Awaz—all from the same village—had minor theft charges but no violent history.
- Rakesh Subba: The oldest suspect, known for petty crimes, is now the focus of motive investigations.
Legal Implications: BNS 2023’s First Major Test
The case is a landmark for India’s new penal code:
- Section 118(2): Conspiracy to commit grievous harm.
- Section 126(2): Use of deadly weapons.
- Section 3(5): Acts endangering public tranquility.
- Legal experts note the swift charges reflect the BNS’s emphasis on rapid justice.
The SIT’s “Secret Weapons”
Gyalshing Police credited their success to:
- Tech Edge: Drones and cell-tower triangulation.
- Community Trust: Villagers’ tips were pivotal.
- No Leaks: The SIT operated in secrecy to avoid alerting suspects.
SP Gyalshing stated: “Teamwork and silence were our greatest tools“.
Impact on Sikkim: Relief and Lingering Questions
- Tourism Concerns: Tashiding Monastery saw a dip in visitors post-attack.
- Police Trust: Locals applaud the arrests but demand motive clarity.
- Security Upgrades: More CCTV and forest patrols are planned.
What’s Next?
- Interrogations: Police are probing possible grudges or external instigation.
- Trial Timeline: Chargesheets are expected within 30 days.
- Anand Rai’s Recovery: He remains hospitalized but is stable.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Rapid Justice
The Tashiding case showcases how technology, community cooperation, and decisive leadership can deliver justice swiftly. As Sikkim awaits the trial, the Gyalshing Police’s 96-hour feat sets a new standard for rural crime-solving in India.
