Public outrage over the death of 21-year-old nursing student Abiel Salchiana Ch. Marak has prompted mounting calls for an independent judicial inquiry, with political and civil society voices joining forces to demand justice.
BY PC Bureau
May 18, 2025: The tragic and sudden death of Abiel Salchiana Ch. Marak, a nursing student from Meghalaya studying at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, has sparked widespread concern and demands for a high-level investigation. The Meghalaya Assembly Speaker and North Tura MLA, Thomas A Sangma, on Saturday backed the call for a probe into the incident.
“It is very unfortunate, and certainly, if there is a demand, there should be a proper investigation,” Sangma stated, noting that he has just returned from Delhi and plans to visit Marak’s family—residents of his constituency—on Sunday. “But I cannot comment further without consulting them.”
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Leading the charge for an impartial probe are the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) and the Garo Students’ Union (GSU), both of which have strongly urged the government to institute a judicial commission of inquiry into the circumstances of the young student’s death, initially reported as a suicide.
CoMSO chairman Roy Kupar Synrem raised alarm over the opaque nature of the case, suggesting Marak may have been subjected to mental harassment, discriminatory behavior, and institutional neglect. “We cannot allow this to be reduced to just another statistic,” Synrem said. “A transparent, impartial, and high-level investigation is necessary to uncover the truth.”
Speaker Backs Probe Into RIMS Student Tragedy
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He proposed that the commission be led by a sitting or retired High Court judge and include forensic, legal, and psychological experts to ensure a comprehensive investigation. Synrem also emphasized the need for whistleblower protection, confidential witness protocols, and legal safeguards to prevent institutional backlash.
The GSU has echoed these demands, further calling on the RIMS administration to fully cooperate and to suspend any individuals allegedly linked to the case until the inquiry is concluded.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress has backed the student and civic groups’ demands, underscoring the importance of a fair and independent process to address what they described as a deeply troubling incident.
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The tragic loss of Abiel Salchiana Ch. Marak has ignited broader concerns over the welfare and treatment of students from Northeast India studying outside their home states. As pressure mounts, many await the Speaker’s visit to the family and an official response from the Manipur government regarding a possible judicial probe.
The need for clarity, accountability, and justice is now at the forefront—not only for Marak’s grieving family but for a generation of students demanding safer, more supportive academic environments.
