Accused in lynching of Assam student leader dies escaping custody

Guwahati: A man, who has been accused of killing a prominent Assam student leader and activist, died reportedly during an attempt to escape the police custody on Tuesday. The accused Niraj Lohia attempted to flee the police vehicle transporting him and was hit by another coming up behind according to reports. He succumbed to his injuries later in hospital and many police personnel were also injured.

All Assam Students Union (AASU) party leader Animesh Bhuyan was killed in a suspected mob lynching incident in the town of Jorhat, Assam on Monday. A viral video shows Animesh and two others being assaulted by a crowd who accused them of causing an accident involving an elderly person on a two-wheeler.

Witnesses of the incident say that Animesh and his companions attempted to help the elderly person after the accident but were attacked by members of the crowd. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Police have arrested 13 people in connection with the murder and produced them before the local court on Tuesday as angry protestors demanded the culprits be handed to them. A huge number of people had gathered outside the chief judicial magistrate's court, shouting slogans and demanding justice for the 28-year-old AASU leader killed in the gruesome act on Monday.

Special Director General of Police (Law & Order), Assam GP Singh on his Twitter handle on Monday evening said the investigation shall be monitored at the highest level including the CID, Assam Police, the Assam government and the CMO.

AASU President Dipaka Nath and chief adviser Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya also visited the victim's residence and met his family members. The organisation has demanded capital punishment for the killers.