Thousands of people in Dima Hasao district took to the streets demanding justice for 48-year-old Bina Engtipi, who was found dead in a forest near Umrangso on August 14. Police said that Bina was sexually assaulted and murdered by five men working as contract laborers at the Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project site.
Over 10,000 women surrounded the Umrangso Police Station, raising slogans demanding the death penalty for the accused. Many carried banners reading “No justice, no rest” and urged authorities to ensure that the guilty are punished swiftly.
Police have arrested five men in connection with the case: Stephen Hanse from Umrangso, Ravindra Rana from Nepal, Abdul Hannan from Barpeta district, Satya Acharjee from Lanka, and Aryan Chouwdhary from Madhya Pradesh. All five were employed under a contractor at the hydroelectric project.
Bina Engtipi was a simple woman who ran a small tea shop to support her family. Known in the area for her hardworking and peaceful nature, she closed her shop on the night of August 13 and was heading home when the crime occurred. Her body was discovered in the forest the next morning with multiple injuries. Police said she was attacked after being sexually assaulted. A detailed medical examination is ongoing to confirm the exact circumstances of the crime.
Hundreds of villagers have blocked roads leading to the construction site, demanding that the arrested men be handed over to them. They have vowed not to allow any work to resume at the project until justice is delivered.
Additional Superintendent of Police Luit Talukdar said, “We are committed to bringing all those responsible to justice.” He added that police acted quickly after receiving the complaint, arresting three accused on August 15 and the remaining two later.
Rajen Timung, president of the Indigenous People’s Party, said, “Outsider companies in our ancestral lands threaten both our rights and our safety. Tribal people must unite to resist such exploitation.”
The Lower Kopili project, intended to bring development to the region, has been temporarily halted due to the protests. The construction company expressed regret over the incident and assured authorities of full cooperation with the investigation.
Student groups, including the Dimasa Students Union, have organized rallies demanding the death penalty for the accused. Women’s organizations from across the district have also supported the protests, stressing the need for safety and security for women in public spaces. Many women reported feeling unsafe to go out alone, especially after evening hours.
Police investigations are continuing to determine the full details of the crime and whether others may have been involved. The medical report on the victim’s injuries will provide crucial evidence for the case. All five accused are currently in police custody and will soon be presented in court. Officials said that sufficient evidence has been collected to support the charges, and if convicted, the men could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.