The main accused in a gangrape case in Assam died on Saturday after attempting to escape police custody by jumping into a pond, authorities said. The incident occurred during an investigation at the crime scene.
Tafazul Islam, who was arrested on August 23, was being escorted by police to the site where the 14-year-old girl was gang-raped when he made the escape attempt at 4 am. Police immediately launched rescue operation, and his body was recovered from the water after two hours.
"When a police team took him last night to the spot for investigation where the incident took place, the prime accused tried to flee and jumped into a pond located nearby the site," SP Nagaon Swapnaneel Deka said.
Islam was one of three men involved in the gangrape. The incident took place on Thursday evening in Nagaon district when the girl was returning home from tuition. Three men on a motorbike allegedly assaulted and raped her, leaving her injured and unconscious by the roadside.
Locals found the girl and informed the police, who have since launched an investigation. The search for the two other suspects is ongoing.
The survivor is currently undergoing treatment at a medical unit in Nagaon district, where a multi-specialty team of doctors is providing care. A team of psychiatrists has also been alerted to provide mental support and counseling to help her deal with the trauma.
Protests erupted in the area on Friday, with shopkeepers closing their businesses and social and political outfits demanding the arrest of the culprits and improved security for women and girls.
Local politicians, including Congress MLA Sibamoni Bora and AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam, have condemned the incident and called for the accused to be brought to justice.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had vowed stringent action against the accused.
