Kokrajhar, January 11, 2026 – In a dramatic turn of events amid widespread public outrage, the prime accused in the alleged rape of a mentally challenged woman in Kokrajhar’s Patharghat area was injured in police firing on Sunday evening while attempting to flee custody.

Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Chapar in Dhubri district and a labour contractor (mohori) for the construction firm ‘Assam Agency’, reportedly tried to snatch a service weapon from police personnel and attacked them during transit from a secure location in Ranighuli to the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court in Kokrajhar.

According to police sources, the vehicle was stopped near Ranighuli as the accused requested to relieve himself. Seizing the opportunity, Rafiqul Islam assaulted the officers and attempted to escape. In self-defense and to regain control of the situation, police opened fire, hitting him in the left leg. Two police personnel also sustained minor injuries in the scuffle.

The injured accused was immediately rushed to RNB Civil Hospital in Kokrajhar for initial treatment before being referred to Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital for advanced medical care.

The shocking incident on Saturday morning — where Rafiqul Islam allegedly lured the mentally challenged young woman (reportedly around 38 years old and orphaned) into a temporary camp room at a construction site in Patharghat and raped her — had sparked massive protests across Kokrajhar. Demonstrators blocked roads, surrounded Kokrajhar Sadar Police Station, and demanded strict punishment, including calls for an encounter or death penalty for the accused.

The intense public anger led to a tense atmosphere in the Bodo heartland town, with reports of a bandh and disruptions on Sunday as protests continued over the rape case.

Police have launched a thorough investigation into both the original rape allegation and the escape attempt incident, while stepping up measures to maintain law and order in the region.

This case has once again highlighted concerns over the safety of vulnerable individuals in Assam, drawing widespread attention and condemnation. Authorities have urged the public to maintain peace as the legal process continues.