Assam: Stone attack on school bus leaves children traumatised during Kokrajhar rape protest

Kokrajhar district in Assam descended into chaos on the evening of Saturday, January 10, when protests demanding justice for an alleged rape victim turned violent, resulting in a stone-pelting attack on a bus carrying schoolchildren.

 

The incident occurred as demonstrators gathered near a police station to protest the alleged sexual assault of a mentally challenged woman. During the agitation, unidentified attackers targeted a bus named "Ma Sarada" (registration number AS-25 AC 6966) as it travelled through the area.

 

The vehicle was returning from a school picnic at Balajan in Dhubri district to Sarlapara, located near the India-Bhutan border, when stones were hurled at it. The attack shattered the bus windows and caused significant damage to the vehicle. Several passengers, including students and teachers, suffered injuries from the flying glass and debris.

 

Witnesses reported scenes of panic inside the bus, with young children crying and screaming in fear as the attack unfolded. The traumatic experience left many students visibly shaken.

 

Police responded quickly to the emergency, providing an armed escort to the damaged bus to safely navigate it through Kokrajhar town. Authorities have since increased security deployment in the area to prevent further incidents and maintain order.

 

The attack has raised serious questions about public safety during demonstrations, particularly regarding the protection of civilians, including vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren. Police are investigating the incident to identify those responsible for the assault on the bus.

 

Local authorities continue to monitor the situation as tensions remain high in the district following the alleged rape case.