Hailakandi: A shocking case of the alleged rape and brutal murder of a 15-year-old girl in Assam’s Hailakandi district has sparked widespread outrage, public protests, and demands for the strictest possible punishment for the accused. Assam Police have arrested three teenagers, aged between 17 and 19, in connection with the crime and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a swift and thorough investigation.
According to the police, the incident took place during the early hours of August 1 in the Aloichora area under the jurisdiction of Katlicherra Police Station. The victim’s family had reportedly gone to attend a feast at a relative’s house nearby, while the girl returned home alone after an argument with one of her cousins.
The victim’s mother said the family assumed she had reached home safely and planned to bring food for her later. However, when they returned home around an hour later, they discovered the teenager lying dead on the floor in a condition that left them devastated. The family said that the girl was sexually assaulted before being murdered.
During the investigation, police initially detained five youths for questioning. Based on the evidence gathered, three teenagers were formally arrested. Among them is a 17-and-a-half-year-old juvenile. SSP Amitabh Sinha said the investigating agency has requested the court to try the juvenile as an adult, citing the alleged brutality of the offence.
Police officials confirmed that the post-mortem examination, which was videographed, established evidence of sexual assault. Investigators further revealed that the victim had suffered extensive injuries and that her private parts had been mutilated. Senior officers stated that the nature of the injuries indicates she was allegedly tortured using different objects before her death.
Investigators have also disclosed that the victim was allegedly acquainted with one of the accused and that preliminary findings suggest they had been in contact prior to the incident. However, SSP Sinha clarified that the exact motive behind the crime remains under investigation and that no definitive conclusions have been drawn at this stage.
To strengthen the investigation, an SIT headed by the Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) has been constituted. Crime scene experts from the district Forensic Science Laboratory, along with a Regional FSL team, examined the scene and collected forensic evidence. An executive magistrate conducted the inquest proceedings, while investigators continue to analyse physical and digital evidence recovered during the probe.
Additional Superintendent of Police Samir Darpan Baruah said the accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the BNS, including Section 65(1) relating to the rape of a girl under the age of 16 and Section 103(1) for murder. They have also been charged under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which deals with aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
Police have indicated that additional charges may be invoked as the investigation progresses. Authorities have seized several mobile phones belonging to persons connected to the case and are questioning more individuals. Officials have also stated that further arrests cannot be ruled out based on emerging evidence.
The three arrested accused were produced before a local court, which remanded them to six days of police custody for further interrogation. Police have withheld certain details of the investigation, citing the sensitive nature of the case and the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing probe.
Authorities have also appealed to the public and social media users not to circulate sensitive information, photographs, or unverified claims related to the victim or the investigation, emphasising the importance of protecting the dignity of the deceased and ensuring that the legal process is not compromised.
The incident has triggered large-scale protests across Hailakandi and other parts of Assam’s Barak Valley. Demonstrators blocked National Highway-6, a key route connecting Assam with Mizoram, demanding justice for the victim and the harshest punishment for those responsible. Many protesters have called for capital punishment for the accused, reflecting the widespread anger generated by the gruesome crime.
As the investigation continues, the Assam Police have assured that every aspect of the case will be examined thoroughly and scientifically.
