Protests Erupt in Chirang Demanding Justice for Minor Rape Victim

In Chirang district, protests erupted demanding justice for a minor girl who was allegedly raped. Various student and social organizations staged a sit-in, calling for strict legal action against the accused under the POCSO Act. The community is united in seeking severe punishment for the perpetrators, emphasizing the need for justice and safety for minors. The ongoing investigation has already led to the arrest of the suspects, but demonstrators insist on exemplary punishment to deter future crimes. This incident has sparked significant outrage and mobilized various groups to advocate for the victim's rights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 18, 2026, 13:34 IST

Protests in Chirang District

Protestors during the three-hour sit-in held at Kajalgaon, on Tuesday. (AT Photo)

Chirang, Aug 18: Demonstrations demanding severe punishment for individuals accused of raping a minor tribal girl persisted in Chirang district, located in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), on Tuesday.

A sit-in lasting three hours was organized by various student and social groups outside the district headquarters in Kajalgaon. The protesters insisted that the three accused be prosecuted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act along with other relevant laws.

During the demonstration, representatives from the involved organizations collectively submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Assam and the Director General of Police via the Chirang District Commissioner, advocating for justice for the victim and demanding strict action against the perpetrators.

“Today, various student organizations and other groups are protesting against this atrocious act. The Class 10 minor girl was horrifically assaulted, and we demand justice for her. The POCSO Act should be enforced rigorously against the offenders, and they should face capital punishment,” stated Dilip Kumar Basumatari, president of the Chirang District unit of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU).

The protest was spearheaded by the ABSU and the Tribal Union, with participation from leaders and members of several organizations, including the All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU), All Bodo Minority Students’ Union (ABMSU), All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRACSU), and NEMSU, along with students from various educational institutions.

“The punishment must serve as a deterrent to prevent such crimes in the future. We also express our gratitude to the Chirang district authorities, including the DC and the SSP, for apprehending the suspects within a few hours of the incident,” Basumatari added.

Maniram Rai, president of BTC AKRASU, emphasized that the protest aimed to secure justice for the minor girl and ensure that those responsible receive severe penalties.

“This protest seeks justice for the minor girl who was brutally assaulted. We want to alert the Assam government and the BTC government that the accused must receive the harshest punishment and cannot evade justice,” Rai remarked.

This demonstration occurs amidst an ongoing investigation into the alleged rape of the Class 10 girl by three young men in Kajalgaon on July 24.

One of the suspects, 20-year-old Nasirul Sheikh from Bartalowa village, sustained injuries from police gunfire on Monday after he reportedly attacked a constable and attempted to escape while being escorted to the crime scene in Chirang district.

According to the investigation, Sheikh, who was allegedly in a relationship with the minor, is said to have lured her to Kajalgaon and taken her to a rented house in Chatipur. There, Sheikh along with two others, Pir Mohammad, 25, and Harunul Hassen, 19, are accused of raping the girl.

The three suspects are currently under investigation, while protesters continue to demand stringent legal repercussions against them.