Kokrajhar District Experiences Shutdown Amid Public Outrage Over Alleged Assault

Public Response to Alleged Assault

Kokrajhar, Jan 11: A 12-hour shutdown on Sunday significantly disrupted daily life in Assam's Kokrajhar district, following widespread public outrage regarding the alleged assault of a mentally challenged woman.

The bandh, initiated by the Kokrajhar District Committee of the World Hindu Federation at 6 am, resulted in the closure of shops, markets, and various businesses, while public transportation was largely absent from the streets.

Throughout the day, Kokrajhar town and its surrounding areas appeared deserted.

Schools and private offices were also impacted, with only a few private vehicles observed on the roads.

However, essential services, including healthcare facilities, remained operational during the bandh.

In anticipation of potential disturbances, the district administration enforced prohibitory measures under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Law enforcement and security personnel were deployed at critical locations, markets, and other sensitive areas to maintain peace during the protest.

Senior officials in the district are actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with law enforcement to avert any incidents.

The administration also released a public advisory, urging residents to avoid falling victim to rumors or unverified information circulating on social media.

In a call for calm, the advisory warned that spreading false information could lead to strict legal consequences and encouraged citizens to report any misleading content to the district control room.

Authorities confirmed that the bandh proceeded without incident up to the time of this report, with no violence reported.

This shutdown followed a surge of public anger on Saturday after the alleged sexual assault of a mentally challenged woman in the Patharghat region of the district.

According to police reports, the incident took place around 9:30 am, prompting protests that included a temporary blockade of the Kokrajhar–Bilasipara road, as demonstrators demanded immediate action and severe punishment for the perpetrator.

Police apprehended the suspect, identified as Rafikul Islam, a laborer from Chapar in Dhubri district, who was working at a construction site in Patharghat, shortly after the incident.

Initial investigations suggest that the orphaned woman was allegedly lured into a shed and assaulted.

Authorities stated that further investigations are ongoing, including recording the victim's statement and completing medical and legal procedures.

Police have reiterated their request for public cooperation, assuring that the case is being treated with utmost seriousness and that justice will be served.