Situation in Kokrajhar remained tense on Sunday after police shot and injured Rafikul Islam, the main suspect in the rape of a mentally challenged woman. Authorities described the shooting as a response to an attempted escape while he was in custody.
The incident occurred near the Rani Ghuli area when police were escorting Islam from a secure location to the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Kokrajhar. While taking a toilet break, he allegedly grabbed a firearm from a police officer, attacked him, and attempted to flee. In response, officers fired at him, resulting in a bullet wound to his waist. Two policemen were also reported injured during the altercation.
Islam, a resident of Chapar in Dhubri district, initially received treatment at Kokrajhar RNB Civil Hospital before being transferred to Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital for further care. He was arrested in connection with the alleged rape of an orphaned and mentally unstable woman at a labor camp near Patharughat, within the jurisdiction of the Kokrajhar police station.
Police stated that the woman, known to wander in roadside areas, was lured into a shack at the labor camp on Saturday, where she was assaulted. Authorities indicated that there were attempts to conceal the crime.
The crime sparked significant public outcry, leading to large protests throughout Kokrajhar town. Protesters blocked roads, disrupted daily life, and demanded severe punishment for the accused, with some calling for capital punishment.
Tensions escalated on Sunday when a 12-hour bandh was declared by the Kokrajhar District Committee of the World Hindu Federation starting at 6 a.m., halting normal activities in the Bodoland Territorial Region headquarters. Shops, markets, and businesses remained closed, public transport was largely absent, and streets appeared deserted, affecting educational institutions and private offices.
To mitigate potential law and order issues, the district administration enacted prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Police are closely monitoring the situation while investigations into the case continue.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/kokrajhar-rape-case-accused-shot-in-police-encounter-during-escape-attempt-1604173
Category: Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2026-01-11 21:26:00
