GUWAHATI :  Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has condemned the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl in Nagaon district, calling it a “crime against humanity” that has shaken the state. The attack, which took place on August 23 evening in Dhing, has sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice.

“The horrific incident at Dhing, involving a minor, is a crime against humanity and has struck our collective conscience. We will NOT SPARE anyone & BRING the perpetrators to JUSTICE,” Sarma stated on social media.

He also directed the Director General of Police to visit the site and ensure rapid action against the perpetrators.

Local residents found the victim in a semi-conscious state near a pond, lying without clothing for approximately an hour. She was immediately rushed to Dhing FRU for medical treatment. The girl was reportedly attacked while returning home from tuition.

The community has responded with anger and calls for justice. Student unions, including AASU, and other civil society organisations have called for a bandh in the region. Locals who rescued the girl have demanded the apprehension of the culprits within 12 hours.

This incident occurs amid ongoing nationwide protests following the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. Following an incident of rape with a minor girl on August 22, the Assam Director-General of Police, GP Singh is visiting Dhing in Nagaon district today.

The visit by DGP Singh comes at a time when the state has taken a commitment to get to the bottom of this serious situation to ensure women and girls are safe. Speaking to media  GP Singh said that he will visit the scene of the crime and investigate the matter to ensure justice.

“We would crack the case and take it to logical conclusion. My visit is to reiterate the commitment of Assam Police towards safety of women and girls.”, Singh said.

Enraged by the incident, Dhing Regional Students’ Union declared a total shutdown of the town. The students uniion said that all shops, markets, and educational institutions will be closed till the miscreants involved behind the crime are arrested.

Additional deployment of police and paramilitary forces has been done in Dhing to keep the heightened tension in control. 

According to reports, the minor was raped while walking home from her tuition classes. The assailants stripped her and left her unconscious in the forest. She lay there for nearly an hour before being discovered and rescued.