Candle March Organised Over Assam Girl’s Murder and Alleged Rape

A 12 hour bandh was called in Tinsukia, Assam to protest the murder and alleged rape of Champa Chetry.

Champa Chettri, an 18 year old girl was raped and murdered in Tinsukia, Assam. (Photo courtesy: Anjana Dutta/The Quint)

Tinsukia district in Assam witnessed a twelve hour bandh in protest against the murder and alleged rape of Champa Chettri, an 18 year old girl from the Nepali community. The bandh was called by All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU).

On Wednesday night, a candlelight march was organised protesting the brutal rape of Champa Chhettri.

Chettri, a resident of Margherita town, went missing on 28 April when she didn’t return home from a beauty parlour, where she was taking a beautician’s course. According to a report in the Times of India, her body was spotted floating in the Burhidehing river near Lama Basti in Margherita, five days later, on 3 May.

The bandh was largely peaceful, as the streets were empty and most banks and businesses were shut. However, AAGSU member Nanda Kirati Dewan said over 200 bandh supporters were detained by the police.

We consider rape followed by murder to be the rarest of rare crimes against women and nothing less than death penalty is a befitting punishment for the accused. Deterrent laws to the extent of chemical castration and death penalty should be awarded to rapists. An electronic directory for the rape accused should be maintained to track their movement and raise alarm. 

Nanda Kirati Dewan, Member, All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU)

Two people, Biswajit Khatri and Moinul Ali, have been arrested in connection with the murder and a case has been registered against them under Sections 366, 376, 342/34 of the Indian Penal Code, reports say.