Sikkim: Investigation underway in alleged murder of Amrita Kami in Singtam, husband arrested

A36-year-old woman, Amrita Kami, was found dead in Tinek area of Singtam under suspicious circumstances on December 11, 2024. The case has led to the arrest of her husband, Ratan Bahadur Kami, following a detailed investigation.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the victim's relative, Bikash Baraily, the complaint was lodged after the discovery of Amrita's body. The complainant reported that at around 7:00 AM, he was informed that Amrita had been found dead on her bed. Upon visiting her home, Baraily noticed the deceased lying in a supine position, with visible bluish marks around both of her eyes and on her chin. The marks were also evident on her back.

Inquiries revealed that Amrita had fallen the previous day near the cowshed outside her room. However, further investigation into her background revealed a troubling history of physical and mental abuse. Sources confirmed that Amrita had struggled with alcoholism and had been frequently harassed by her husband, Ratan Bahadur Kami.

An autopsy, conducted by Dr. Uma Adhikari at the District Hospital in Singtam on December 12, 2024, revealed the cause of death to be asphyxia due to neck vessel occlusion, shock, and hemorrhage, resulting from blunt force trauma. The autopsy report also indicated 19 distinct injuries on the victim's body, pointing to foul play.

Based on these findings, the case was upgraded from a simple Unnatural Death (U.D.) to a murder investigation. Singtam Police Station has now filed a formal case under Section 103(1) of the BNS, implicating the victim's husband, Ratan Bahadur Kami, who was arrested on December 13, 2024.

Ratan Bahadur Kami, aged 38, a resident of Upper Tinek, Gangtok, has been charged with the murder of his wife. The investigation is ongoing, with police examining all aspects of the case, including the couple's troubled relationship and the history of abuse.