A local leader of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) was killed and his teenage cousin was critically injured in an attack in Assam’s Nalbari district, police said on Monday. The incident took place on Sunday evening in Gangapur village near Jagara when 19-year-old Madhurjya Barman and his 17-year-old cousin were returning home from Nalbari town after buying books.
According to police, the two were allegedly attacked by Roz Ali and his associates. Madhurjya Barman suffered fatal injuries and died, while the teenage girl sustained multiple stab wounds. She remains under treatment at a hospital, where doctors are closely monitoring her condition.
Main Accused Killed in Encounter
Police said that the accused Roz Ali was arrested within hours of the attack following an intensive manhunt. Investigators later took him to recover the weapon allegedly used in the crime. During the operation, Roz Ali reportedly attempted to escape police custody while leading officers to the location where the weapon had been hidden.
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Police personnel opened fire, injuring the accused. He was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Madhurjya Barman was associated with the Paschim Nalbari Regional Students’ Union. Local residents and student organisations described him as a bright young man with a promising future.
The incident has sparked outrage across the district, with student bodies and local organisations demanding justice and seeking answers about the motive behind the attack.
Police said the investigation remains underway and that all aspects of the case are being examined. Authorities are also trying to identify and question any other individuals who may have been involved.
MLA Visits Injured Teenager
Assam MLA Jayanta Malla Baruah visited the hospital where the injured teenager is being treated and expressed concern over what he described as a rise in alleged “Love Jihad”-related incidents.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the victim, Baruah said he had spoken with doctors, hospital authorities and the girl’s family about her condition.
“The injured girl has shown considerable improvement compared to yesterday. Blood required for her treatment has also been arranged. We are hopeful and praying for her recovery,” he said. The MLA also paid tribute to Madhurjya Barman.
“He was a good student and a young man with great potential. It is a very unfortunate incident,” said Baruah.
Baruah further said authorities would examine all aspects of the case, including allegations of “Love Jihad” that have been raised by some sections of society. Massive protests broke out in Assam’s Nalbari district as hundreds of All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) activists took to the streets, demanding justice for the brutal killing of 20-year-old AASU member Madhurjya Barman.
According to reports, Barman was allegedly attacked with a machete by unidentified assailants on Sunday, while his cousin sustained critical injuries in the incident.
Police, however, have not officially confirmed any motive behind the attack. Further investigation is underway.