Hailakandi Police Solve Gang Rape and Murder Case of 16-Year-Old Girl
Swift Action by Hailakandi Police
File image of a protest march seeking expeditious action in the case. (AT Photo)
Hailakandi, Aug 6: The police in Hailakandi have reported a breakthrough in the case of a 16-year-old girl who was allegedly gang-raped and murdered, apprehending five suspects within 72 hours. Authorities believe the crime was motivated by a conflict arising from a 'triangular relationship'.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amitabh Sinha detailed how the investigation utilized technical evidence, forensic analysis, and mobile phone records to piece together the events surrounding the crime.
"By analyzing the interrogation of the suspects, mobile call logs, and forensic data collected from the crime scene, we have developed a comprehensive understanding of the incident," he stated.
SSP Sinha noted that two additional suspects were arrested on Wednesday following the questioning of three individuals who had been detained earlier.
A juvenile suspect has also been taken into custody and placed in a juvenile facility. The adult suspects have been remanded to police custody after appearing in court.
According to the SSP, investigators discovered that two of the suspects had been in contact with the victim, which led to a dispute that is believed to have resulted in the tragic incident.
The inquiry revealed that the suspects allegedly visited the girl's home in Alaicherra on the night of August 1, where they assaulted and subsequently killed her. Items from the household were reportedly used during the crime.
SSP Sinha identified Apu Malakar and Manoj Das, also known as Rajdeep, as the main perpetrators, claiming they were the primary actors in the crime. Dhiraj Das, Prosenjit alias Pinku, and Joydeep are said to have aided them.
"At this point in the investigation, we have gathered enough evidence to confirm the involvement of all five suspects in the sexual assault and murder," the SSP remarked.
The police indicated that the investigation is nearing completion, with a chargesheet expected to be filed once the remaining forensic reports and documents are obtained.
According to investigators, the victim's mother had gone to a relative's house for a ritual on the night of the incident, leaving the girl at home, claiming she was unwell.
Further investigation revealed that the victim had been active on social media and had communicated with a relative in Bengaluru using her mother's phone. The damaged device was later found outside the house.
Authorities also alleged that two suspects entered the home through the back door before allowing the others in. The victim was reportedly overpowered prior to the assault.
SSP Sinha confirmed that none of the five arrested individuals had any prior criminal history.
On August 4, the Hailakandi Police had established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into the alleged gang rape and murder.
The incident has sparked significant outrage in the district, prompting student organizations, women's groups, and civil society to call for a swift investigation, severe punishment for the offenders, and the establishment of a fast-track court to ensure timely justice.
Protests have been organized throughout the district, with memoranda submitted to the Katlicherra Circle Officer urging a prompt investigation and prosecution of those responsible.