Guwahati: Police have arrested five people, including a juvenile, in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a 15-year-old Class IX student in Aloichhara village under Katlicherra Police Station in Assam’s Hailakandi district.
The incident came to light after the girl’s body was found at her residence on the night of August 1, leading to widespread anger and protests across Hailakandi and other parts of the Barak Valley.
Soon after receiving information, Katlicherra Police began an investigation and senior officers inspected the crime scene to oversee the probe. A forensic team was also deployed to collect evidence and gather scientific inputs from the spot.
The preliminary post-mortem examination reportedly suggested that the minor had been sexually assaulted before her death, following which police stepped up efforts to identify and apprehend those involved.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by the Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime), was formed to investigate the case. The team initially detained three suspects and later arrested two more after receiving additional leads.
Among the five arrested accused, four are adults while one is a juvenile. Police said the investigation has revealed several significant clues, including the possibility that some of the accused were acquainted with the victim.
Investigators are examining various angles, including personal connections, previous disputes and other possible motives. However, police officials said no conclusion has been reached yet as the probe remains in progress.
The four adult accused were produced before a court and sent to police custody for further questioning, while the juvenile was sent to an observation home as per provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Police said further interrogation, forensic examination and evidence analysis are underway to establish the sequence of events and determine the role of each accused.
The case has triggered strong reactions from residents and civil society groups in Hailakandi and the Barak Valley, with demands for a fast-track trial and strict punishment for those found guilty.
Authorities have assured that the investigation will remain fair and transparent, and that legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible.