Three-hour protest held in Assam's Chirang over gang-rape case, strict action demanded

Assam's Chirang district witnessed protests on August 18 over the alleged gang-rape of a 16-year-old tribal girl, with various organisations demanding stringent punishment for the accused. The development came on the same day when the main accused in the case was shot and injured by police after allegedly attacking officers and attempting to flee during a crime-scene visit.

 

The three-hour protest was organised at Kajalgaon at the call of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) and the Tribal Sangha, with participation from several organisations, students and members of the public. Protesters demanded the strictest possible punishment for the accused and urged the government to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

 

According to police, three persons have been arrested in connection with the alleged gang-rape of the minor. Chirang Superintendent of Police Dhruva Bora said the main accused, identified as Nasir-ul-Hussain, was taken by the Investigating Officer to the location where the alleged crime began as part of the investigation.

 

Police said Hussain allegedly attacked the police personnel and attempted to escape during the crime-scene visit. The Investigating Officer then fired at him, following which he was apprehended and taken to a hospital for treatment.

 

The case came to light after a video purportedly showing the alleged assault was circulated on social media. Police said the incident allegedly took place on July 24. The victim's mother approached Runikhata Police Station on August 15 after learning about the circulation of the video and lodged a complaint.

 

Police said two of the accused were arrested within two hours of receiving the complaint, while the third was arrested later the same day. Investigators said the victim had allegedly been contacted through social media by one of the accused and asked to meet him before being taken to another location, where the three men allegedly assaulted her.

 

The accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Information Technology Act. Police have also seized the accused persons' mobile phones as part of the investigation into the alleged recording and circulation of the video. The victim's statement has been recorded and her medical examination conducted, police said.

 

During the protest in August 18, leaders of various organisations and students called for swift and strict legal action against the accused. Protesters also thanked the District Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police for the prompt arrests, noting that the three accused were brought under the law within hours of the complaint being lodged.

 

The incident and the subsequent police action have intensified demands for justice and stronger measures to ensure the safety of women and children in the region. Police are continuing to investigate the alleged assault, the circulation of the video and the circumstances surrounding the main accused's attempt to flee during the investigation.