Prime suspect in Assam gangrape case dies after allegedly jumping into pond during police custody

Assam August 24 2024 : In a shocking turn of events, the prime suspect in a horrific gangrape case in Assam’s Nagaon district died early Saturday after allegedly escaping police custody and jumping into a pond. The incident occurred during a re-creation of the crime scene, according to police reports. The suspect, Tafazul Islam, who had been arrested on Friday, was among three men accused of gangraping a 14-year-old girl in the Dhing area on Thursday evening. The girl was reportedly attacked while returning home from tuition on her bicycle around 8 p.m. She was found unconscious and injured near a roadside pond by local residents, who immediately informed the police.

Massive protests erupted across Nagaon district following the brutal assault, with people demanding swift justice. Responding to the public outcry, Assam’s Director General of Police (DGP), GP Singh, visited the site of the crime on Friday and reviewed the progress of the investigation. One suspect had been arrested, and another detained, while efforts to apprehend the third suspect were ongoing. According to Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka, the prime suspect, Islam, attempted to flee when the police took him to the crime scene around 3:30 a.m. for investigation purposes. He reportedly jumped into a nearby pond with his hands cuffed. Despite immediate efforts by the police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to retrieve him, Islam’s body was recovered nearly two hours later.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma  addressed the incident, emphasizing the importance of prompt and strict action in cases of atrocities against women. He stated that the government must act decisively to ensure public trust and prevent anger from escalating, as seen in other regions.

The tragic incident has sparked widespread debate and concern over the handling of suspects in police custody, as well as the broader issue of women’s safety in the region. As investigations continue, the police are under pressure to ensure that the remaining suspects are brought to justice swiftly.