Hojai: A significant development has emerged in connection with the sensational murder of Jamunamukh schoolteacher Arnamai Bora, which had shaken the state on May 31, 2017 (Arnamai Bora Murder Case). Acting on a directive issued by the Supreme Court of India on November 28, 2025, Assam Police have re-arrested the prime accused, Moinul Haque, after a non-bailable warrant of arrest (NBWA) was issued against him.
Background of the Case
It may be recalled that in 2018, the Additional District and Sessions Judge’s Court in Hojai had convicted two individuals — Selim Uddin and Moinul Haque — in connection with the case. The court sentenced Selim Uddin to life imprisonment with rigorous imprisonment, while Moinul Haque was awarded the death penalty.
Both convicts later filed appeals before the Gauhati High Court. On December 22, 2022, the High Court upheld the life sentence of Selim Uddin. However, it set aside the death sentence awarded to Moinul Haque and instead sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment along with a fine of ₹20,000. Following that judgment, Moinul Haque was released in 2022.
Public Reaction and Government Appeal
The High Court’s ruling triggered strong reactions across the state. The Assam government and the police faced sharp criticism from various quarters. In the interest of securing justice for the victim’s family, the state government decided to move the matter to the Supreme Court of India.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had publicly stated that steps would be taken in this regard. Representing the Assam government, the public prosecutor challenged the High Court’s verdict before the apex court by filing an appeal.
Supreme Court Order and Re-Arrest
After examining all aspects of the case, the Supreme Court of India issued a non-bailable warrant against Moinul Haque and directed Assam Police to arrest him and send him to jail.
In compliance with that order, Hojai Police traced and arrested Moinul Haque from Mumbai two days ago while he was reportedly in hiding. On Saturday, he was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court at Srimanta Sankardev Nagar and was subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
Amar Jyoti Saikia, the government advocate at the Srimanta Sankardev Nagar court, informed the media that the arrest process had been carried out in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive.
Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “At one time, reports appeared in the media stating that the Assam government had lost the case. But now, news should be published based on correct information.”
A Case That Stirred the State
The murder of teacher Arnamai Bora had sparked widespread outrage across Assam, with repeated protests demanding justice over the years. The latest order from the Supreme Court and the subsequent re-arrest mark a new chapter in the long-running case, observers say.
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