Guwahati, August 24 — Tafazul Islam, the prime accused in the horrific Dhing gangrape case, was declared dead following an intense two-hour rescue operation early this morning. Islam attempted to flee from police custody by jumping into a nearby pond during an on-site investigation.
The escape attempt occurred at around 4 a.m. while Islam was being taken to the crime scene for further questioning. Suspecting that he might have drowned, the police immediately initiated a search operation. Rescue teams, supported by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), recovered Islam’s body from the pond after a grueling two-hour effort.
Nagaon Superintendent of Police Swapnaneel Deka confirmed the incident, revealing that a police constable was injured during the escape attempt. Deka stated, “Though we responded promptly, the early morning darkness hindered visibility, allowing the suspect to evade capture temporarily before his body was recovered from the pond.”
Islam had been arrested on August 23 and was identified as one of the main perpetrators in the gangrape case, which has shocked the state of Assam.
Reacting to the incident, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier condemned the crime, promising that stern action would be taken against the accused. He emphasized that existing laws, known for their stringent enforcement, would be applied to ensure justice. The search continues for the other two suspects involved in the case, with authorities determined to bring them to justice.