A BJP legislator from Assam visited the critically injured survivor of a deadly attack in Nalbari district on Monday, 2 June, as the state government pledged stringent action following an incident that claimed the life of a 19-year-old girl and left an 18-year-old fighting for her life. The attack, which took place on Saturday night near Gangapur under Mukalmua police station limits, has sent shockwaves across the district.

What Happened in Nalbari

The two victims — Madhurjya Barman, aged 19, and Mridumudra Deka, aged 18 — were travelling on a scooter when they were allegedly set upon by Roz Ali and a second accused, Ashik Ali, according to police. Madhurjya Barman died as a result of the assault, while Mridumudra Deka sustained severe injuries to her head, chest, and neck from what police described as a sharp weapon.

Mridumudra Deka is currently admitted to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Guwahati, where she remains in a critical condition. Doctors are reportedly arranging blood transfusions to address a significant drop in her haemoglobin levels caused by excessive blood loss.

Prime Accused Killed in Police Encounter

The prime accused, Roz Ali, succumbed to injuries sustained during a police encounter in the Mukalmua area on Monday, officials said. According to police, he was shot after allegedly attempting to attack officers with a weapon while trying to evade arrest. An intensive search operation had been launched across Nalbari district following the Saturday night incident to trace both accused.

Notably, this marks a swift conclusion to the manhunt — within roughly 48 hours of the attack — though questions about the circumstances of the encounter are likely to attract scrutiny, as is standard in such cases.

MLA's Visit and Government's Stand

BJP MLA Jayanta Mallabaruah, after visiting Mridumudra Deka at GMCH, told reporters that her condition had shown some improvement but that she remained critical. 'I came here personally to see the condition of the girl. She has improved considerably compared to before. However, because of excessive blood loss, her haemoglobin level has dropped, and blood is being arranged for her treatment,' Mallabaruah said.

He described the incident as 'extremely painful and also very disturbing,' adding that such an attack had no precedent in Nalbari district and had generated fear among residents. The MLA praised the Assam Police for their rapid response and confirmed that the state government would cover all medical expenses of the survivor and extend full support to her family.

Probe Ongoing, 'Love Jihad' Invoked

Police are continuing to investigate whether additional individuals were involved, either directly or as facilitators. 'One person carried out the attack, that is clear. But the police are also examining whether anybody helped him or was involved from behind the scenes,' Mallabaruah said.

Mallabaruah also invoked the term 'love jihad' — a contested phrase used by some political figures to describe alleged coercive relationships — asserting that such incidents were on the rise and that the Assam government would maintain a strict posture. 'We have already brought the Uniform Civil Code and taken strong actions. The government will be extremely strict in such matters,' he said. Critics and civil liberties groups have historically disputed the legal and factual basis of the 'love jihad' framing, and no court in India has formally recognised it as a defined offence.

The case is expected to remain under close political watch as investigators complete their probe and the survivor's condition is monitored at GMCH.