Sribhumi: Assam Police have arrested two individuals for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a young Hindu woman inside a moving passenger bus operated under the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC). The incident has sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests and road blockades in Sribhumi district in Barak valley region of Assam.
According to police officials, the victim, a young Hindu woman traveling from Badarpurghat to Sargola, boarded the under ASTC operated bus, which, apart from the driver and staff, had no other passengers. Soon after she boarded, three men—including the driver—reportedly began physically assaulting her with an intention to rape the victim.
In a brave attempt to save herself, the victim shared her live location via WhatsApp with her family and started screaming for help. Enraged, the accused allegedly threw her out of the moving bus near Aurangabad on National Highway 6. Locals later found her injured and rushed her to Karimganj Civil Hospital.
Arrests and police action
The police have identified the arrested accused as Jasimuddin Laskar (Hailakandi district) and Abu Salem (Cachar district). A manhunt is underway for the third suspect, believed to be the bus driver.
Senior police officials confirmed that the bus has been seized, and five other vehicles have also been impounded as part of the investigation. A case has been registered based on the complaint filed by the victim’s family.
Public outrage and protests
The incident has triggered massive public anger in Sribhumi. Members of the Hindu Rakshak Dal and Bajrang Dal staged a road blockade at the ASTC bus stand, demanding swift justice and severe punishment for the accused.
Protesters created a ruckus, leading to temporary disruptions in transport services. The agitation was temporarily withdrawn after police assured the demonstrators that all accused would be arrested by night. However, tensions remain high, with locals warning of further protests if justice is delayed.
This incident has once again raised questions about passenger safety in private buses run under ASTC. Locals allege negligence on the part of the transport corporation, demanding stricter monitoring of staff and vehicles before giving them licence to operate.
Official statements
A senior police officer stated, “The victim has identified the accused, and we are conducting a thorough investigation. We assure the public that strict action will be taken.”
The victim is currently undergoing medical treatment, and police are recording her statement. Investigations are ongoing, with forensic teams examining the seized vehicles.
The case has drawn sharp condemnation from women’s rights groups, who are demanding enhanced security for female passengers on public transport.
