In a significant development in the moral policing incident in Gelabil, Sarupathar, Assam’s Golaghat district, the main accused, Raju Shreshtha, has been arrested by the Borpathar police. Shreshtha, previously the general secretary of the BJP’s Borpathar Mandal, surrendered at the Borpathar police station last night and was subsequently taken into custody.
Additionally, another individual, Kamal Gogoi, has been arrested in connection with the case, and police are continuing their interrogation. However, two other accused, Shasanka Shreshtha, former president of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) Sarupathar regional unit, and Ranjit Shreshtha, remain at large. Following the incident, AASU expelled Shasanka Shreshtha from the organization.
The assault, which involved the brutal beating of two boys, including the use of salt and chili water, had sparked widespread outrage due to its resemblance to a public lynching. The victims, accused of theft without a formal complaint, are receiving medical treatment for multiple injuries. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has condemned the act, assuring a thorough investigation and strict action against those involved.
The arrests mark a step toward accountability, but public and organizational pressure continues as the police intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives.
