Hofizul Ali : Assam Gang-Rape Accused Killed in Encounter

A suspect arrested in connection with a gangrape case in Assam’s Udalguri district was reportedly shot multiple times in a police encounter that took place on Monday night, according to officials.

The individual, identified as Hofizul Ali, was taken into custody on Monday morning after he and four others allegedly abducted and gangraped a minor girl in the Majbat area on June 22.

Officials familiar with the incident stated that Hofizul Ali assaulted the officials during the investigation on Monday night and attempted to escape when the police fired at him.

He was rushed to Tezpur Medical College and Hospital in critical condition and is currently receiving treatment in a ward heavily guarded by police. When contacted, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Udalguri district, Pushkin Jain, declined to provide any comments on the matter.

Jain had previously informed Hindustan Times that five locals, aged between 22 and 30, were apprehended on Monday morning following accusations of abducting and raping a 17-year-old girl.

The survivor’s family lodged a complaint on Sunday, prompting immediate action from the authorities. The survivor positively identified the accused individuals, leading to their swift arrest.

Alongside Hofizul Ali, the police also detained Mushtaq Ahmed, Mohidul Islam, Saddam Ali, and Ehsan Ahmed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

“They are all local residents aged between 22 and 30. While they were not previously known to the girl, we are currently interrogating them to gather more information,” Jain stated.

The victim underwent mandatory medical examinations, and her statement will be recorded once she has recovered. Local officials are providing her with necessary support and monitoring her progress.

In response to the alleged gangrape, a group of locals, including the victim’s family members, staged a protest on Monday and set fire to the residence of one of the accused individuals. Law enforcement intervened to restore order and assured the demonstrators that the perpetrators would face severe consequences.

The protesters demanded capital punishment for the five accused, condemning their brutal treatment of the girl. They called for a strong message from the police and judiciary to deter similar crimes in the future.

Jain acknowledged the community’s outrage but urged them to refrain from unlawful activities. He emphasized that the authorities acted swiftly, apprehending the suspects within 12 hours and conducting a thorough investigation.

Notably, two similar encounters occurred in Assam on Sunday. A 32-year-old man from Cachar district who allegedly kidnapped a 19-year-old girl was arrested after he attacked the police during questioning, leading to the use of force.

In another incident in the Boko area, a suspected drug supply kingpin was wounded in an encounter on the same day. Both individuals are currently receiving medical treatment in government hospitals within their respective districts.