Assam Police have arrested two individuals for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a young woman inside a moving Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) bus in Sribhumi district. The incident occurred on April 1, 2025, and has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the region. Authorities have seized the bus involved as part of their ongoing investigation.
The victim boarded the ASTC bus near the Badarpur Circle Officer’s office, intending to travel to Sribhumi. Upon boarding, she found only two other male passengers, along with the driver and conductor. As the journey progressed, the four men allegedly attempted to assault her. In a bid to protect herself, she sent her live location to her father via WhatsApp. Realizing her actions, the assailants diverted the bus to Lamajua, where they abandoned her before fleeing the scene. Locals later found the victim and rushed her to Sribhumi Civil Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment.
The incident has drawn parallels to the infamous 2012 Nirbhaya case in Delhi, leading to heightened tensions in Sribhumi. Members of the Hindu Raksha Dal and Bajrang Dal have staged protests, demanding swift justice and the immediate arrest of all involved. Protesters blocked roads at the city’s AOC Point and in front of the ASTC office, emphasizing the need for stringent action against the perpetrators. A Bajrang Dal member expressed frustration, stating, “We are hurt. We have our government both at the center and the state, but still, Bajrang Dal has to protest against the arrest of a criminal. This is shameful. We urge the government to step up and arrest the rapist and set exemplary punishment for such criminals.”
In response to the public outcry, Sribhumi Police have intensified their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects. Sribhumi SP Partha Pratim Das assured the public that authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their investigation, analyzing all angles to uncover the truth.
The ASTC has faced criticism following the incident, with demands for increased safety measures on public transportation. Activists and community leaders are calling for the implementation of stricter security protocols, including the installation of surveillance cameras and the presence of security personnel on buses, to prevent such incidents in the future.
Women’s rights organizations have also voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need for societal change to address the root causes of such crimes. They advocate for comprehensive education programs that focus on gender sensitization and the promotion of respect and equality.
As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, with many expressing solidarity with the victim and her family. The incident has ignited a broader conversation about women’s safety in public spaces and the collective responsibility to create an environment where such atrocities are not tolerated.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist in the swift apprehension of the remaining suspects. The police have assured the public that all leads will be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice is served.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by women in public spaces and the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure their safety and dignity. Communities across Assam are rallying together, demanding not only justice for the victim but also the implementation of measures that will prevent such incidents in the future.
