Massive protests erupted in the Nagaon district of Assam following reports of a 14-year-old girl being allegedly gang-raped while returning home from her tuition classes on Friday. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday evening in the Dhing area, sending shockwaves through the community.
The horrifying incident unfolded when three individuals on a motorcycle allegedly surrounded the girl around 8 pm. They are accused of assaulting and raping her before leaving her injured and unconscious by the roadside near a pond. The Class 10 student was later rescued by locals, who immediately alerted the police. The victim was initially taken to a medical center in Dhing and subsequently transferred to a hospital in Nagaon for further treatment and medical examination.
In response to the heinous crime, locals called for an indefinite bandh (shutdown) until the suspects are apprehended. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with residents demanding swift and decisive action against those responsible.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has pledged stern action against the perpetrators, vowing that they will not be spared. “The criminals who dared to commit such a heinous crime against a minor Hindu girl of Dhing will not be spared by the law. I have directed the DGP and Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika to rush to Dhing and take the toughest action,” Sarma asserted.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns about a perceived rise in such crimes, stating that a “section of members of a particular community have become very active and have been encouraged to commit such crimes.” Sarma emphasized that the government would take a zero-tolerance approach and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Assam DGP GP Singh confirmed that a case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and a full-scale investigation is underway. Singh stated that one suspect has been apprehended, and authorities are working to gather further evidence, including mobile data.
Sarma highlighted the alarming increase in crimes against women in the state, stating that this was the 23rd such incident in the last two months. He expressed concern over the safety of indigenous people in certain regions, particularly in Lower and central Assam and Barak Valley districts, where they are becoming a numerical minority.
The incident has once again brought to light the urgent need for stringent measures to address the issue of violence against women and children in Assam. The authorities are under intense pressure to deliver justice for the victim and ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
