Now Reading: Chirang protest seeks POCSO trial for minor rape accused
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Chirang protest seeks POCSO trial for minor rape accused
Student and social organisations staged a three-hour sit-in on Tuesday outside the Chirang district headquarters in Kajalgaon, demanding that three accused in the rape of a 16-year-old tribal girl be tried under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and given capital punishment. The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) and other groups submitted a memorandum to the Assam Chief Minister and police chief through the District Commissioner.
The protest follows the July 24 alleged rape of a Class 10 girl by three youths in Kajalgaon. One accused, Nasirul Sheikh, 20, was injured in police firing on Monday after he allegedly attacked a constable while being taken to recreate the crime scene. The other two accused are Pir Mohammad, 25, and Harunul Hassen, 19. Police arrested all three within hours of the crime, the ABSU president said.
Protesters demanded exemplary punishment so that such crimes are not repeated. The Chirang District Commissioner and Superintendent of Police were thanked for the swift arrests. The investigation is ongoing, with no chargesheet yet filed in court.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Assam Tribune and protesters frame the Chirang rape case as a clear demand for POCSO trial and capital punishment, while police actions are praised for swift arrests. The coverage omits the accused’s perspectives or legal representation details, and protesters' memoranda do not address potential judicial delays. The police firing on one accused is noted but not contextualised against use-of-force norms. The measured middle ground: the case has strong prima facie evidence and community outrage, but due process under POCSO and potential appeals could prolong the trial. Watch for the chargesheet filing date in Chirang court, expected by late August.
Source: assamtribune.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
