Accused in Molestation Attempt Shot While Escaping Police Custody in Assam

An accused was shot and injured by police while attempting to escape custody in Assam’s Sonitpur district. The individual, along with another person, had allegedly tried to molest two girls. Both were apprehended by locals and handed over to the police. The accused attacked the police and tried to flee again during the investigation, resulting in a police shooting. He is now stable and undergoing treatment.

An accused, arrested along with another person for allegedly attempting to molest two girls, was shot at and injured while attempting to escape from police custody on Saturday in Assam's Sonitpur district, police said.

The duo had allegedly attempted to molest the two girls who were out on an evening walk on Friday. As the girls raised an alarm, the local people rushed to the spot.

The accused attempted to flee but were chased and nabbed by the locals, Sonitpur Additional Superintendent of Police, Madhurima Das, told reporters.

They were later handed over to the police at the Mahabhairab police station, she said.

During a visit to the scene for investigations, the youth attacked the police, seized a pistol, and opened fire, the official claimed. Police retaliated by firing back, injuring the accused in one leg.

He is currently undergoing treatment at the Tezpur Medical College and Hospital and is in stable condition, Das said.

The two girls have filed an FIR, and police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), she added.

A group of local residents surrounded the police station protesting the incident.

Meanwhile, in Tinsukia, a man was arrested for allegedly attempting to molest a teenage girl in the Sripuria area. Locals reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest along with another accomplice. A case has been registered under the POCSO Act and relevant sections of the BNS.

(With inputs from agencies.)