Written by Sukrita BaruahGuwahati | January 12, 2026 08:18 AM IST 2 min readKokrajhar in Western Assam has been gripped by tensions after the alleged rape on Saturday in the Pathargat area of the district.Amid tensions in Assam’s Kokrajhar over the alleged rape of a mentally challenged woman, police shot at and injured the accused on Sunday evening, saying that he attempted to escape police custody.Kokrajhar in Western Assam has been gripped by tensions after the alleged rape on Saturday in the Pathargat area of the district. The accused, Rafikul Islam, was apprehended by police, and DC Pankaj Chakravarty said an SIT was constituted to investigate the incident.The incident led to a flare-up of communal tensions in the district, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s district committee calling for a 12-hour shutdown in protest.Citing “heightened public tension and apprehension of disturbance to public peace and tranquillity”, the Kokrajhar district administration imposed prohibitory orders against the assembly of more than four people and demonstrations throughout the district.On Sunday, the district administration also convened a peace meeting with the district police and representatives of political parties, social organisations, student bodies and prominent citizens.“The situation is being closely monitored, and necessary precautionary measures have been taken to maintain peace and tranquillity. Vulnerable areas are being identified, with steps initiated for the installation of CCTV cameras and street lights,” said DC Chakravarty.Amid these tensions and peace measures, the accused, who was in police custody, was injured on Saturday night in what police said was an encounter, allegedly while he was trying to flee police custodySukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges. Expertise and Experience Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts. Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities. Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East. Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for: Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms. Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Assam