Andhra Pradesh/Tirap:
The tragic and untimely death of Late Kamlo Mophuk, aged 51, son of Late Wangkop Mophuk and a resident of Lazu village under Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, has sparked widespread grief, concern, and outrage across the state.
According to sources, Mr. Mophuk boarded a train from Tinsukia on 16 May 2026 to travel to Bengaluru, where his daughters are employed. During the journey, he was allegedly attacked and physically assaulted by unidentified individuals inside the train. Fearing for his safety, he reportedly got down at Ongole Railway Station in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh on 18 May and attempted to seek assistance from the Railway Police.
However, family members and sources alleged that despite his vulnerable condition and repeated pleas for help, the concerned authorities failed to provide immediate protection or adequate assistance. Mr. Mophuk later reportedly approached the local police station as well, but allegedly received little cooperation or support.
On the evening of 18 May, Mr. Mophuk contacted his daughter, Ngona Mophuk, informing her that some unknown individuals were allegedly following him. He reportedly expressed fear for his safety and mentioned that his mobile phone battery was running low. Later that night, around 11 PM, he spoke to his wife. His final conversation with his daughter reportedly took place the following morning at around 8 AM, after which his phone became switched off and remained unreachable.
Deeply worried by the sudden loss of contact, his daughters residing in Bengaluru immediately began searching for their father from 19 May onwards. Sources claimed that despite repeated requests for assistance, the family allegedly faced negligence, lack of urgency, and poor coordination from the concerned authorities during the crucial initial stages of the search operation.
It was only after the intervention of Hon’ble Minister Shri Wangki Lowang, who personally contacted the concerned authorities and pushed for immediate action, that the police and forest officials reportedly intensified the search efforts.
In a heartbreaking development, Mr. Mophuk’s body was eventually recovered near a cemetery area after authorities traced the location of his mobile phone. Shockingly, sources alleged that although the body was reportedly discovered on 21 May, the information was communicated to the grieving family only on 23 May, further intensifying public anger and criticism over the handling of the case.
Family members, well-wishers, and citizens across Arunachal Pradesh expressed deep sorrow and disappointment, stating that had the authorities shown greater sensitivity, urgency, and proper coordination from the beginning, the tragic outcome might possibly have been prevented.
The incident has now raised serious questions regarding the response mechanism, accountability, and conduct of the concerned officials in Andhra Pradesh. Citizens from various parts of Arunachal Pradesh have appealed for a fair, transparent, and impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Late Kamlo Mophuk and the alleged lapses by the authorities involved.
The people of Tirap district, along with citizens across the state, continue to mourn the loss of a fellow Arunachali whose final days were reportedly marked by fear, helplessness, and unanswered pleas for help.
