The victim jumped into the pond to escape from police custody. (X)
New Delhi: A rape accused drowned while trying to escape police custody during a crime scene re-creation in Assam's Nagaon district. The suspect, Tafujal Islam, had been arrested for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl and was being escorted by the police when he suddenly attempted to flee. According to a senior police official, Islam managed to break free from a constable’s grip and ran towards a nearby pond, where he fell and drowned. The constable involved in the incident also sustained injuries.
The police are currently investigating how Islam was able to escape custody. Authorities had been preparing to take Islam to the residence of another suspect involved in the case before the escape attempt occurred. Islam was one of three individuals accused of raping the teenage girl on Thursday evening, with the other two suspects still at large.
The horrific incident at Dhing, involving a minor, is a crime against humanity and has struck our collective conscience.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 23, 2024
We will NOT SPARE anyone & BRING the perpetrators to JUSTICE. I've directed @DGPAssamPolice to visit the site and ensure swift action against such monsters.
The assault reportedly took place as the victim was returning home from a coaching class. She was found in a semi-conscious state near a pond by local residents, with her bicycle lying beside her. It is believed she had been left on the roadside for nearly an hour before being rescued. The girl is now receiving medical care, and the results of her medical examination to confirm sexual assault are pending.
Watch the video here:
#WATCH | The body of the prime accused of the Dhing gang rape incident in Assam's Nagaon district, Tafazul Islam recovered from a pond. The police had earlier arrested him in connection with the case.
— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2024
"When a police team took him last night to the spot for investigation where… pic.twitter.com/ow29EJ37j7
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned the crime in strong terms, calling it a "crime against humanity" that has "struck our collective conscience." In a post on social media, the Chief Minister assured that justice would be served, stating, "We will NOT SPARE anyone and BRING the perpetrators to JUSTICE." Sarma also directed the Assam Police chief to visit the crime scene and ensure swift action is taken against those responsible.
The incident has sparked significant outrage in the local community, leading to the closure of shops, markets, and educational institutions as a form of protest on Friday. To maintain order, police and paramilitary forces were deployed throughout the area.
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