Assam gangrape: Main accused drowns in escape attempt from police custody

The main accused in a gangrape case in Assam died on Aug 24 after attempting to escape the police custody by jumping into a pond, police said.

The other two accused involved in the crime are still at large as the police have launched a manhunt to nab them.

The incident took place around 4 am, when the accused Tafazul Islam was being escorted by a police party to the crime scene, where a 14-year-old girl was gang-raped on Aug 22.

The accused attempted to escape from police custody near the crime scene, and jumped into the pond. His body was recovered after two hours of hectic efforts by police and a few volunteers.

"The prime accused tried to flee and jumped into a pond located near the crime site. He drowned," said Swapnaneel Deka, SP Nagaon.

Islam was one of three men involved in the gangrape of the minor girl. The incident occurred in Nagaon district when the girl was returning home from tuition. Three men on a motorbike allegedly assaulted and raped her, leaving her unconscious by the roadside.

Locals informed the police after they found the girl in unconscious condition. Police is searching for two other suspects involved in the crime. The survivor is undergoing treatment at a medical unit in Nagaon district under the supervision of a multi-specialty team of doctors. A team of psychiatrists is also providing mental support and counseling to help the minor girl deal with the trauma.

Protests erupted in parts of Nagaon district on Aug 23, with people demanding stern punishment to the accused. Social and political groups have also demanded the arrest of the culprits and steps to be taken to improve the safety and security of women.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has assured us that stringent action will be taken against the accused. Local politicians, including Congress MLA Sibamoni Bora and AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam, have condemned the incident and demanded justice for the minor girl.