Public Outcry in Kokrajhar Following Alleged Rape of Mentally Challenged Woman
Protests Erupt in Kokrajhar
Kokrajhar, Jan 10: A significant wave of anger surged through Kokrajhar on Saturday after reports emerged of the alleged rape of a mentally challenged woman in the Patharghat locality, leading to protests and a blockade near the Sadar police station.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9:30 AM, prompting demonstrators to obstruct the Kokrajhar–Bilasipara road, demanding severe punishment for the perpetrator and immediate action from the authorities.
According to police, the suspect, identified as Rafikul Islam, a laborer from Chapar in Dhubri district who was working at a construction site in Patharghat, was apprehended shortly after the incident.
Initial investigations suggest that the victim, who is an orphan, was allegedly enticed into a shed by the accused and assaulted.
Protesters claimed that the victim disclosed the incident to her sister-in-law, which led to the matter being reported.
One protester stated, “The girl was on her way when the accused dragged her, and the incident occurred. She later informed her sister-in-law, and that’s how we learned about it.”
Some protesters alleged that local residents initially captured and assaulted the accused before police arrived to take him into custody.
As the protests intensified, demonstrators expressed their outrage over women's safety and criticized law enforcement for their inability to prevent such incidents.
Tensions rose further when some protesters insisted that the accused should be handed over to the public rather than facing legal proceedings.
A local voiced their frustration, saying, "How can a Muslim person in Kokrajhar commit such an act against a mentally challenged girl? We want justice for the victim.”
Police officials reported that they managed to control the situation and assured the public that the case is being treated with utmost seriousness under the law.
Senior officers were dispatched to the protest site to help disperse the crowd and restore normal traffic flow.
Authorities indicated that a thorough investigation is ongoing, which includes recording the victim’s statement and completing necessary medical and legal procedures, while urging the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to unfold.
This incident has once again highlighted the critical issues surrounding women's safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals in the area, as residents await prompt legal action.