Minor girl gang-raped in central Assam’sNagaon district

Gangcrape of minor girl in Assam sparks outrage, leading to shutdown as police search for culprits

GUWAHATI

A minor girl was allegedly gang-raped in central Assam’s Nagaon district on August 22 while returning home from her tuition classes in the evening.

The incident in Dhing, a minority-dominated area, triggered outrage among the locals who called for an indefinite shutdown of shops and business establishments until strict action is taken against the culprits.

Three men were suspected to be involved in dumping the Class 10 girl by the roadside after committing the crime. The police detained one of them and are searching for two others.

Some locals found the lying semi-conscious about an hour after she was reportedly raped and informed the police. The police admitted her to a local health centre, which referred her to a hospital in district headquarters Nagaon about 25 km away.

The incident led to a shutdown across Dhing town with hundreds of people taking to the streets demanding exemplary action against those involved.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma rushed Information Minister Pijush Hazarika and the Director General of Police, Gyanendra Pratap Singh to Dhing to take stock of the situation. “Firm lawful action will be taken against the perpetrators,” Mr. Singh said.