Assam: Outrage erupts after man killed in clash with family of rape accused

Guwahati:  The death of a young man in the attack of the family members of a rape accused at Dudhnoi in Assam’s Goalpara district has sparked massive outrage.  

According to reports, on May 3, 2024, two teenage girls were allegedly gang-raped by three men while returning from a cultural program in Dudhnoi.

The perpetrators then abandoned the girls on the roadside. The victims' families immediately filed a police complaint, leading to the arrest of the prime accused, Dhan Talukdar. While two other suspects initially evaded arrest, they were later apprehended by police.

On the night of May 5, a violent confrontation erupted when a group associated with the Village Defence Party (VDP) attempted to question Dhan Talukdar's family at their residence.

This clash resulted in injuries to six individuals, with Hiranmoy Khakhlari suffering severe dagger wounds. He was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries last Friday while undergoing treatment in Guwahati.

Following Hiranmoy's death, the police arrested Dhan Talukdar's brother-in-law and sister on charges of murder.

The Goalpara District All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) has demanded strict punishment for all involved in this series of crimes.