Cachar Police arrests accused in Bhaga-Rajghat rape and acid attack case

Cachar Police have arrested Badarul Islam alias Putul, the prime accused in the alleged brutal rape and acid attack case of Bhaga-Rajghat, Dholai. Islam was apprehended late on January 29 night (Wednesday) from the Kachudaram area, nearly a week after the horrific assault on January 22 that left the victim with severe burns and fighting for her life at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH). An FIR was filed on January 23.

Following mounting public outrage and appeals from the victim’s family, the police intensified their search operation, eventually tracking down the accused. However, Islam has denied the allegations against him, claiming that he did not attempt to kill the victim. Rather, he alleged that the victim’s husband had borrowed money from him but was refusing to return it, which is why he had gone to their home on the night of the incident.

Despite Islam’s claims, the victim’s family has maintained that he forcefully entered their house, raped the woman in front of her children, and then poured an acid-like chemical on her. They have also accused him of threatening them even after committing the crime. The victim’s husband alleged that Islam had harassed his wife earlier and had vowed to ‘teach her a lesson’ after an altercation the previous day of the incident.

The arrest comes after the Dholai Police station’ Officer-in-charge told Barak Bulletin that he was “unaware of the incident”. Following media reports and public pressure, Cachar Police took cognisance of the matter, leading to Islam’s arrest.

Meanwhile, the victim continues to battle for her life at SMCH in critical condition.