Prime Accused in Assam Minor Gang Rape Case Found Dead

The body of Tafazul Islam, the prime accused in the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl in Assam's Dhing area, has been recovered. Islam reportedly escaped police custody and drowned. Authorities continue to hunt for the other suspects involved.

The body of Tafazul Islam, the prime accused in the alleged gang rape of a minor girl in Assam's Dhing area, was recovered on Saturday morning. According to the police, Islam allegedly escaped custody, jumped into a pond, and drowned.

Nagaon District Superintendent of Police, Swapnaneel Deka, stated that Islam was arrested on Friday concerning the case. When a police team took him to the crime scene for further investigation, Islam tried to flee by jumping into a nearby pond. Despite immediate search operations by the police and SDRF team, his body was recovered the following morning.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the two remaining suspects. The 14-year-old victim was allegedly gang-raped by three individuals on August 22 while returning home from tuition classes. The incident has ignited massive protests, with locals and organizations demanding stringent actions against the culprits.

Assam's DGP, GP Singh, visited the site to meet the victim's family and senior police officials. Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, emphasized the need for prompt action against atrocities on women, remarking that public anger rises when the government is perceived as lax in such cases. He also pointed out a surge in criminal activities within a specific community post-Lok Sabha elections and assured that the perpetrators will be punished.

Reports suggest that locals found the victim in a semi-conscious state by the roadside and rushed her to a hospital. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)