Sikkim police has said that that a dispute over payment of wages led to the murder of a young carpenter in Dentam area of West Sikkim, marking a major development in the ongoing investigation. According to the police, the incident took place on January 23, 2026, at around 6:00 pm. The deceased has been identified as Rajib Mandal (27), a carpenter by profession and a resident of Ramganj, Islampur in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal. He was found lying dead later that evening inside his rented room at Dentam Tar in Middle Shankhu, in a pool of blood. Superintendent of Police, Gyalshing District, Tshering Sherpa, said preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was inside the rented room along with four carpenters working under him. The group was reportedly consuming alcohol and having dinner when an argument broke out over the payment of wages.
Police said the argument soon escalated into violence. During the altercation, one of the accused, Suman Mandal, allegedly attacked Rajib Mandal with an iron hammer, inflicting severe injuries that proved fatal. After the incident, the accused fled the scene. Police immediately issued an alert, and a team from Legshep Outpost intercepted the accused at Legshep while they were attempting to escape in a hired vehicle. Senior officials praised the prompt action and coordination of the police team.In connection with the case, Dentam Police Station registered Case No. 01/2026 dated January 23 under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, based on a written complaint filed by Ward Panchayat Prakash Subba.
Three accused persons — Suman Mandal (24), Prangopal Mandal (42), and Bubai Adhikary (20), all residents of West Bengal and employees of the deceased — have been arrested. One juvenile associated with the group has been handed over to his guardian, as his role in the offence has not been established. Police said further investigation is underway to complete the case formalities.