GUWAHATI: Kokrajhar town in Assam is in a boil for the last 24 hours after a Bangladeshi-origin Muslim man raped a mentally reiterated Hindu girl. Rape accused Rafuqul Islam sustained bullet injuries after attempting to flee police custody on the evening of January 11. Rafiqul Islam, a construction worker from Chapar area of Dhubri district, allegedly raped a mentally challenged Hindu girl on January 10, sparking widespread outrage and protests by locals demanding immediate punishment of the culprit.
According to police reports, the incident occurred in Kokrajhar town on Saturday morning. The victim, who was alone on the street, was dragged to a nearby labour camp by Islam, who was working on a drainage construction project. Locals rescued her and rushed her to a hospital, where a medical examination confirmed sexual assault.
News of the heinous crime spread rapidly, leading to the swift identification of Islam through eyewitness accounts. He fled the scene initially, prompting Kokrajhar police to register a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launch a manhunt. Police arrested him later that day and brought him to the Kokrajhar police station.
By evening, thousands of agitated locals gathered outside the Kokrajhar police station, demanding immediate punishment and chanting slogans like “Bangladeshi go back.” Protesters blocked roads and called for the accused to be handed over to the public. In response, authorities imposed Section 163 of the BNSS (prohibitory orders) to restore order. Police then shifted Islam to a safer location amid the unrest.
On Sunday evening, as Islam was being produced in court, he allegedly tried to snatch a firearm from a constable and escape. In the ensuing scuffle, police opened fire to prevent his escape, injuring Islam in the leg. Two constables also sustained injuries. The accused was admitted to Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital, where his condition is stated to be stable.
Police have assured that the situation in Kokrajhar is now under control, with additional forces deployed to maintain peace. Investigations continue, and further details on the charges and protests are awaited. The incident has reignited debates on growing crimes amongst the Bangladeshi-origin Muslims and construction workers of the community across the state. Specifically, the offence against women by Bangladeshi-origin Muslims in Assam has raised concern about social security and women’s safety.
