Gangtok, March 30 : Sadar Police have arrested a 19-year-old youth in connection with the murder of a 60-year-old man, widely known in the community as “Traffic Lata,” who was found dead in his residence this past Saturday.
The victim was a familiar figure in the Daragaon–Tadong area, recognized by locals for voluntarily managing traffic using a whistle and hand signals. His body was discovered inside his home near the Daragaon Post Office.
Initially registered by authorities as an unnatural death, the case was officially upgraded to a murder investigation after medical reports confirmed the cause of death as asphyxia, indicating foul play.
A breakthrough in the investigation came via local CCTV footage. Surveillance cameras captured a young man wearing a hoodie following the elderly victim to his residence, and later leaving the premises carrying the victim’s belongings.
Acting on this evidence, police tracked the suspect to Arithang Road. He was apprehended while allegedly attempting to sell the victim’s stolen mobile phone.
Police have identified the suspect as Madan Rai, aged 19 to 20 years old. Originally from Yangyang, Rai was currently residing in Arithang. According to police sources, Rai confessed during interrogation that he targeted the elderly man specifically with the intent to rob him.
Authorities suspect the accused is a habitual drug user. Police insiders indicate that Rai has a history of involvement in previous street crimes, including chain and mobile phone snatching.
The Sadar Police are continuing their investigation into the case.
