Prime Accused in Assam Minor Girl's Rape Dies After Escape Attempt

The prime accused in the rape of a minor girl in Assam's Nagaon district died after escaping police custody and jumping into a pond. Villagers refused his burial in the community graveyard. A march was held to protest the crime, and police are still searching for two other suspects.

The prime accused in the rape of a minor girl allegedly escaped from police custody, jumped into a pond, and died on Saturday morning in Assam's Nagaon district, according to local authorities.

Villagers from Borbheti, where the accused's family lives, have decided not to participate in his funeral prayers or allow his burial in the village graveyard.

Police Superintendent Swapneel Deka stated that the suspect was handcuffed and taken to the scene for a crime re-creation when he assaulted an officer and fled.

A search operation was launched immediately, and his body was recovered after nearly two hours. The injured policeman was admitted to a hospital.

The other two accused are still at large, and police raids continue. The 14-year-old victim is recovering in a Nagaon hospital. Villagers held a meeting and took decisions to ostracize the accused's family.

A protest march was also held, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reiterated that stern action would be taken against the culprits.

(With inputs from agencies.)