A major development has emerged in the murder case of an All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) leader in Assam’s Nalbari district after police said the main accused was killed in an encounter.
The accused, identified as Asif Khan alias Rose Ali, was allegedly involved in the killing of 19-year-old Madhurjya Barman in Mukalmua’s Gangapara area.
According to reports, Madhurjya Barman was returning home with his teenage cousin on Sunday evening when they were allegedly stopped by Asif Khan near Nalbari town.
Police and family members alleged that an argument broke out, during which Asif allegedly attacked both victims with a sharp weapon.
Madhurjya Barman died on the spot, while his 17-year-old cousin suffered serious injuries and was admitted to Guwahati Medical College Hospital. Officials said the girl remains in critical condition.
Police Claim Accused Tried to Escape
Nalbari police launched a search operation and arrested Asif Khan on Monday from a riverine area of the district.
According to a police statement, officers later took the accused to recover the weapon allegedly used in the attack.
Police claimed that during the operation, Asif allegedly tried to escape by snatching a policeman’s firearm and opened fire.
“When caught, the accused tried to flee after snatching a policeman’s gun and fired some rounds at police personnel,” Nalbari police said in a statement.
Police said officers fired in retaliation, injuring the accused. He later died on the way to the hospital.
Family Alleges Harassment of Teen Girl
The injured teenager’s family alleged that Asif had been harassing the girl for a long time and repeatedly proposed to her, but she rejected him.
Speaking to media, the girl’s parents claimed that because of the alleged harassment, she had changed places and usually travelled with family members for safety.
According to the family, the girl and her cousin Madhurjya were returning from Nalbari town market on Sunday evening when Asif allegedly stopped them again.
The family alleges that the confrontation eventually led to the fatal attack.
Protests and ‘Love Jihad’ Claims
Following the incident, student organisations and local groups staged protests demanding justice for Madhurjya Barman.
Some organisations also raised slogans referring to “revenge for love jihad” and alleged a communal angle behind the incident.
However, police have not officially confirmed any “love jihad” angle in the case and said all aspects are being investigated.
Investigation Continues
Authorities said the probe into the murder is ongoing.
Local MLA Jayanta Malla Baruah reportedly visited the injured girl in hospital, while doctors continue to monitor her condition.
Police said further details would emerge after a complete investigation into the murder and the circumstances surrounding the encounter.
