A 28-year-old woman was allegedly gangraped and robbed by a group of men at the Silchar bypass in Assam’s Cachar district on the night of February 19. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, while police have intensified their search for the remaining accused.
According to officials, the attackers reportedly assaulted the woman in front of her boyfriend. They also looted Rs 10,000 before fleeing the scene. The crime reportedly involved seven to eight men who arrived in an SUV.
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Police Investigation Underway
The Assam Police launched a swift investigation soon after receiving the complaint. The police registered the case at Silchar police station as Case No. 177/2026 under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, including provisions related to rape, wrongful restraint, assault, and extortion.
Cachar Superintendent of Police Partha Protim Das confirmed that investigators identified the vehicle involved based on the victim’s statement. He said the accused arrived in an SUV and carried out the assault before escaping.
Police have arrested Nilutpol Das, a resident of Ashram Road in Silchar, in connection with the case. Officers have also detained another individual for questioning. Meanwhile, teams continue to track down the remaining suspects and locate the SUV allegedly used during the crime.
Additional Superintendent of Police Rajat Kumar Pal stated that officers are collecting evidence and examining technical leads. Authorities have conducted the victim’s medical examination, and officials await the report to strengthen the case.
“Sensational Crime,” Say Police
Senior officers described the incident as a “sensational crime” and assured the public that they will bring all perpetrators to justice. Furthermore, the district police have increased patrolling in vulnerable areas to prevent similar incidents.
Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas. They are also questioning potential witnesses to establish the sequence of events. Officials believe coordinated efforts will help them arrest the remaining accused soon.
Political Reactions
The incident has triggered strong political reactions. Sushmita Dev, Rajya Sabha MP from the All India Trinamool Congress, condemned the attack on social media platform X. She termed the incident “extremely disturbing” and criticised the state government over women’s safety.
In her post, she questioned the law-and-order situation in Assam and accused the ruling establishment of politicising women’s security issues in other states while failing to ensure safety at home.
Growing Concerns Over Women’s Safety
The alleged assault has renewed concerns about women’s safety in Assam. Civil society groups have demanded strict action against the accused and faster judicial proceedings. Many residents have also called for stronger surveillance and increased police presence in isolated stretches like the Silchar bypass.
At the same time, law enforcement authorities have urged the public to cooperate with the investigation. Police officials have appealed to anyone with information about the SUV or the suspects to come forward.
As the probe continues, authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for the survivor. They have assured that all legal steps will follow due process and that no accused will escape accountability.
The case remains under active investigation, and further developments are expected once forensic and medical reports become available.
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