Guwahati, August 23 — Tafazul Islam, the prime accused in the recent Dhing gang rape case, was declared dead after an intense two-hour-long rescue operation early this morning. Islam attempted to escape police custody by jumping into a nearby pond during an investigation at 4 am.
The incident occurred when police had escorted Islam to the crime scene for further inquiry. During the investigation, he made a sudden attempt to flee by diving into the water. Concerned that he might have drowned, police immediately launched a search operation. After two hours of effort, the rescue teams recovered Islam’s body from the pond.
Islam had been arrested on August 23 after an extensive investigation identified him as one of the three men involved in the brutal gang rape of a minor girl in Dhing, a case that has shocked the state of Assam. The crime, which took place as the victim was returning from tuition, has drawn widespread condemnation and heightened concerns about safety in the region.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had previously vowed that the accused in the case would face stringent action under existing laws. Following Islam’s death, CM Sarma reiterated the government’s commitment to dealing with such atrocities with the full force of the law.
Meanwhile, the search for the two remaining suspects involved in the horrific act continues, with authorities intensifying efforts to bring them to justice.