Assam: Massive protest in Bajali over rape and murder of woman by former lover

Public anger poured out in Assam’s Bajali district as thousands of locals took to the streets, demanding capital punishment for Arif Ahmed, the accused in the brutal rape and murder of 19-year-old Monika Barman.

The protest rally, which began from the Sarupeta Milan Mandir, saw active participation from local residents who raised slogans demanding the death penalty for the accused through a fast-track trial.

The demonstrators also blocked the Bhawanipur-Manah connecting highway, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill for hours.

According to police sources, Monika Barman was allegedly raped and murdered by her former lover, Arif Ahmed, on July 19. He then reportedly attempted to disguise the crime as a suicide by hanging her from a ceiling fan. The incident has shocked the local community, sparking widespread outrage.

Monika’s family, who had been residing near Ahmed’s home as Indian citizens for the past 15 years, was devastated by the heinous act. Bajali Police have already taken Arif Ahmed into custody, and legal proceedings have been initiated.