On 1st June (Monday), Rose Ali, also known as Ashif Khan, was shot and killed during a police encounter in Mukalmua of the Nalbari district in Assam. He was the prime accused in the brutal killing of 19-year-old Madhurjya Barman. 18-year-old Mridumudra Deka was also gravely wounded in the attack. The cousins were assaulted when they were on a scooty close to Gangapur under Mukalmua over a proposal rejection. Another youth named Ashik Ali was also involved in the attack.
Ali was found hiding in a char area of Mukalmua and tried to steal a gun from cops during the operation to capture him. The personnel opened fire in self-defence. Ali was taken to a neighbouring hospital for treatment after suffering severe injuries, but he eventually passed away from significant blood loss there. According to Nalbari SSP Bibekananda Das, the accused led police to the hiding place of the murder weapon. However, he attempted to steal a service weapon and flee.
Das informed that Ali also attempted to unleash bullets on the cops and fired around four shots. He stated, “In today’s time, such criminals are rare. He had snatched our service gun and attempted to flee while firing at our team.” He conveyed that the culprit was shot in the chest when the police retaliated in self-defence.
The attack happened while the two cousins were on their way home from Nalbari town after buying books. Ali targeted the duo with a machete because Deka, a Class 12th student, turned down his marriage proposal. The Gangapur resident is receiving treatment at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. She continues to be in a serious condition.
GMCH Superintendent mentioned, “The patient sustained multiple knife injuries, including wounds to the scalp, jaw, right hand, back and scapular region. She is currently in the ICU, undergoing necessary tests. Her condition is critical, and she is in a state of shock.” Her family unveiled that Ali had been harassing them and their daughter for a long time, especially after she declined his marriage proposal.
Her mother disclosed, “Rose Ali has been harassing my daughter and me for quite some time, particularly after my daughter rejected his proposal. He had even threatened me with dire consequences if my daughter did not enter into a relationship with him.”
Barman, from Balipathar in Chamata, was taken to Nalbari Medical College Hospital but passed away from his wounds. He was a member of the All-Assam Students Union (AASU), and the occurrence sparked demonstrations throughout the area, with hundreds of people marching to the streets to call for justice.
Several outfits, such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and Hindu Suraksha Sena, staged rallies and blocked the Kumarikata road to demand justice and severe action in the matter.
“Love Jihad is rapidly emerging as a grave social concern in Assam. Every one of us must remain vigilant and ensure that the strictest possible action is taken against such incidents. The tragic incident at Gangapur in Nalbari has shocked and disturbed us all. The police administration is acting swiftly, and we are confident that Assam Police will take the necessary action,” remarked Nalbari MLA Jayanta Malla Baruah.
He assured, “I met the deceased’s father and brother and assured them of the government’s full support. The police are conducting a thorough investigation and are examining whether the accused had any accomplices,” while talking to the media.
