GUWAHATI: A perplexing incident unfolded on Sunday morning when the body of Himangshu Sarma, a 31-year-old panda, or guide and priest, at the Kamakhya Temple, was discovered under enigmatic circumstances in the sacred Saubhagya Kunda. Sarma, a well-known figure within the temple community, was found floating in the holy water by early morning devotees who had arrived to commence their prayers. Saubhagya Kunda, located within the temple grounds, serves as a revered pond where pilgrims traditionally cleanse their feet before offering prayers to the Mother Goddess Kamakhya. Upon the discovery of his body, local rescuers rushed to the scene in an attempt to revive him; however, their efforts proved futile, and he was pronounced dead at the site, leaving both devotees and temple officials in profound shock and grief.
While the incident has raised concerns, initial assessments have not indicated any clear signs of foul play, and the exact circumstances surrounding Sarma’s death remain uncertain. In response, a police team promptly arrived to investigate the matter further, and the body was subsequently transported to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for a post-mortem examination. Authorities are now awaiting the autopsy report, which is anticipated to shed light on the true cause of his demise. The final rites for Himangshu Sarma were held on Sunday night at Kamakhya, attended by grieving family members, close friends, and fellow priests who gathered to pay their respects.
