Arrested rape accused tries to escape, injured in police firing in Assam

GUWAHATI: A person accused of raping a minor girl in Assam's Udalguri district was shot and injured by police while attempting to escape custody, as reported by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday. The suspect was one of five individuals arrested in connection with the alleged crime.

The chief minister has instructed G P Singh, the Director General of Police, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident under the supervision of a senior officer.

''In connection with Mazbat PS Case No. 30/24, involving the rape of a minor girl by several boys on June 22, five miscreants have been arrested. The main accused was injured in police firing yesterday while attempting to escape," Sarma posted on X.

According to reports, the girl was allegedly lured to a secluded area at Dhunsuri tea estate in Mazbat police station on Saturday by the five suspects under false pretenses. The family filed a police complaint the following day.

Since the complaint was filed, the police have apprehended the five accused from various locations in the Udalguri and Darrang districts. On Tuesday night, one of the suspects attempted to flee from custody and was shot and injured by police in their efforts to prevent his escape.

"I have directed the @DGPAssamPolice to thoroughly investigate the matter under the supervision of a senior officer,'' the chief minister added.