Mob violence in Assam: Couple held hostage over illicit relationship; police team attacked during rescue operation

At least four people were injured in Assam’s Lakhimpur district on Thursday after violence broke out when police tried to rescue a couple held captive by villagers.

The incident took place in Baliyani Kumbang village, under Ghilamora Police Station limits. According to police station officer in charge Gakul Chetia, police received information that villagers in Baliyani Kumbang had held a couple captive after they returned from outside the state.

The villagers alleged that the woman was married, and the two were accused by locals of having an illicit relationship.

“They had fled from here and were staying outside Assam. When they returned, the villagers kept them captive,” he added.

As police managed to get the couple into a vehicle, the mob became aggressive. “They pulled the couple out of the car and started beating them. When our team intervened, they attacked the police as well,” Chetia told PTI.

Chetia said that after the couple was rescued by the police, villagers turned violent, dragging them out of the vehicle and beating them.

"When our team members tried to free the two, the mob attacked them also. In the process, one lady constable sustained injuries and started bleeding. Another constable was also injured," he said.

The mob tore the woman's clothes and severely assaulted the man.

"After a lot of effort, our team could rescue both of them and reach the police station. We have taken them for medical treatment and they are out of danger," Chetia said.

Police have filed a suo motu case against those involved in the attack and launched an investigation to identify and arrest the culprits.