In a tragic turn of events, the main accused in a gangrape case in Assam died while attempting to escape police custody on Saturday. Tafazul Islam, who was arrested on August 23 for his alleged involvement in the gangrape of a 14-year-old girl, tried to flee by jumping into a pond during a police investigation at the crime scene. The incident took place around 4 am in the Nagaon district.
According to authorities, Islam was being escorted to the location where the crime took place when he made the escape attempt. Superintendent of Police in Nagaon, Swapnaneel Deka, said, “When a police team took him last night to the spot for investigation where the incident took place, the prime accused tried to flee and jumped into a pond located nearby the site.” Despite immediate rescue efforts, Islam’s body was recovered from the pond after a two-hour search.
The gangrape occurred on Thursday evening when the 14-year-old victim was returning home from tuition. She was allegedly attacked by three men on a motorbike, who assaulted and raped her before leaving her unconscious by the roadside. Local residents found the girl and informed the police, prompting an investigation.
The survivor is currently undergoing treatment at a medical facility in the Nagaon district. A multi-specialty team of doctors is attending to her physical injuries, while a group of psychiatrists has been assigned to provide psychological support and counseling to help her cope with the trauma.
Islam’s death has heightened the urgency of the police search for the two other suspects involved in the crime. Law enforcement agencies have vowed to bring the remaining culprits to justice. The incident has also sparked widespread protests in the area. Local residents, including shopkeepers and members of various social and political organizations, have expressed their anger, demanding the immediate arrest of all those involved and calling for stronger security measures to protect women and girls in the region.
Prominent political figures, including Congress MLA Sibamoni Bora and AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam, have condemned the incident, urging for swift justice. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also assured the public that stringent action will be taken against those responsible for this heinous crime. The community’s outcry highlights the urgent need for effective measures to ensure the safety and security of women and children in Assam.
