A deserted village with no eyewitnesses around, arson victims still critical and recuperating in hospital and the post-mortem reports of the eight deceased not available yet.

These were some of the challenges the CBI team faced on Day 1 of its investigation into the Bogtui massacre in Birbhum’s Rampurhat.

Three injured persons are admitted to Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital.

The CBI sleuths spent the greater part of the day completing formalities — beginning with a visit to Rampurhat police station followed by the local court and then the village. “The court has asked for a report on April 7 and we have a world of things to do before collating all that we gather and drawing up a situation report,” said a senior officer. The CBI team could not speak to witnesses. Bogtui remained deserted on Saturday with most houses locked from outside.

“We would like to speak to Mihilal Sheikh on Sunday. His mother, wife and 10-year-old daughter were killed and he is a key witness,” the officer said.

Mihilal is now living in a village 27km from Bogtui. So are several others who fled after the carnage.

Nazira Bibi, who is admitted to the Rampurhat hospital with over 60 per cent burns, is a crucial witness, said officers. Nazira was trapped inside her house that was allegedly set on fire. Doctors said her condition was critical.

“Why were the houses ransacked before they were set on fire?” the officer said. “If the victims were severely beaten up, it would suggest there was a revenge motive at play and that’s why we need the post-mortem reports.”