Guwahati: Assam’s Kokrajhar witnessed high tension on Sunday after police injured Rafikul Islam, the main suspect in the rape of a mentally challenged woman, during an alleged escape attempt.
Officials said the incident occurred near Rani Ghuli while Islam was being transported from a secure location to the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court.
During a brief stop, he reportedly tried to take a weapon from an officer and attack them, prompting police to fire.
Islam suffered a gunshot wound to his waist, and two officers were hurt during the struggle.
The accused, who works as a labourer for a construction firm in Assam, was first treated at Kokrajhar RNB Civil Hospital and later moved to Kokrajhar Medical College for more advanced care.
Police said Islam was arrested for allegedly assaulting an orphaned woman with mental disabilities at a labour camp near Patharughat.
She was reportedly lured into a shack on Saturday, where the attack took place, and attempts were made to cover up the crime.
The case triggered widespread anger among locals. Protests blocked roads and disrupted daily life, with demonstrators demanding harsh punishment, including the death penalty.
A 12-hour bandh called by the Kokrajhar District Committee of the World Hindu Federation on Sunday brought most businesses, schools, and public transport to a halt.
Authorities imposed prohibitory orders under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to prevent unrest.
Police continue to closely track the situation as the investigation into the crime proceeds.