- Source: 2024 Dhing gang rape case
The Dhing gang rape case involves the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl in Dhing, located in Assam's Nagaon district on August 22, 2024. The victim, a class 10 student, was returning home from her tuition classes around 7 pm when she was attacked by three men near Dhing town. The girl was found lying in a semi-conscious state near a pond about an hour later and was immediately rushed to the Nagaon Civil Hospital for medical treatment.
The girl lived with her grandparents and aunt, as her father worked in Guwahati and her mother had passed away. The father said his daughter was barely able to speak and seemed traumatised when he saw her after the incident.
Protests
It has sparked widespread outrage. Protests erupted not only in Dhing but also across various parts of Assam, with locals and organizations such as the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) leading demonstrations. In response to the incident, markets in Dhing were closed, and protestors blocked National Highway 37 for several hours, causing significant traffic disruptions. Meanwhile, social media is filled with outrage against the accused, with calls for strong action to be taken against them.
A protest rally was also organized in Gossaigaon, located in the Kokrajhar district, alongside demonstrations in Sivasagar.
Investigation & Arrest
According to the Nagaon district police, one of the main accused, Tafazul Islam, was arrested on August 24, 2024, in connection with the Dhing gang rape case. However, while being taken to the crime scene for investigation, he allegedly tried to escape police custody, jumped into a nearby pond, and drowned. A constable who was holding his handcuffs also suffered an injury to his hand.
Swapnaneel Deka, Superintendent of Police of Nagaon district, stated that a search operation was launched, and Tafazul Islam's body was recovered with the help of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) after about two hours. He also mentioned that operations are underway to nab the other two accused persons.
Assam Director General of Police, GP Singh, also visited the site on Friday, met the victim's family members, and spoke with senior police officials. He assured that firm lawful action will be taken against the perpetrators.
Further, a case under the Bharatiya Nagarik Sanhita (BNS) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act has been registered, and specific details about the minor victim have been withheld to protect her identity.
Later, second accused was arrested by Assam Police in Dimapur, Nagaland, while the third was caught in Assam's Morigaon district. The duo has been brought to Nagaon Sadar police station for interrogation. Both had been on the run since the incident on August 22.
Subsequent
President of AASU, Utpal Sarma has promised to take responsibility for the girl's education.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned the incident, calling it a crime against humanity that has struck our collective conscience. He directed the Director General of Police to visit the site and ensure swift action against the perpetrators.
He also stated that this was not the first such incident in Dhing, with 23 similar cases reported since the Lok Sabha elections. He suggested that certain communities were getting "encouragement" after the polls. Indigenous people were living in fear where they have become a minority in Assam.
