There are still several cases pending in court, and many victims have not received compensation because we did not get funds from the government—Official, District Legal Services Authority
The rain had stopped hours ago, but the streets were still wet, glistening under the flickering streetlights. The air smelled of damp earth and petrol fumes as she staggered through the empty alley, her breath shaky, her hands clutching her torn kurta. Each step sent a fresh wave of pain through her body, but she kept moving, afraid that if she stopped, she would collapse and never rise again.
ALSO READ: Guwahati Vendors Suffer As Govt Yet To Decide On Vending Zones
Somewhere in the distance, a dog barked. The city was awake, yet completely unaware of her horror.
She had trusted him. He was someone she knew—a distant neighbour who had always smiled kindly at her whenever she passed by his house. So when he offered to drop her home after the wedding function, she hesitated only for a second before getting into his car.
But instead of taking the road towards her house, he had turned into an abandoned field near the highway. The moment she felt his grip tighten around her wrist, she knew she had made a mistake. What followed was a blur—his hands forcing her down, her screams swallowed by the open night sky, the unbearable pain as he took everything from her.
When it was over, he had simply stood up, zipped his jeans, and lit a cigarette as if nothing had happened. Then he drove off, leaving her broken, bleeding, and alone.
She had never felt so cold in her life.
She didn’t know how long she lay there before forcing herself up and walking. She didn’t go home. She didn’t know how to face her family. Instead, she walked straight to the police station, hoping—praying—that someone would listen.
For thousands of rape victims in Assam, the nightmare doesn’t end with the crime. It continues in the cold, sterile corridors of police stations, in courtrooms where they are forced to relive their trauma, and in a system that is supposed to help them but often does the exact opposite.
Assam has witnessed a significant number of rape cases over the years. As per data shared by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 25, 2024, the state recorded 3,544 cases in 2017, followed by 3,296 in 2018 and 3,546 in 2019. These figures highlight the need for continued efforts toward addressing crimes against women and ensuring justice for survivors.
By July 2024 alone, 580 cases had already been reported. Despite ongoing efforts, these numbers paint a grim reality—one where countless women and minors continue to be victimised. And yet, justice remains a distant dream for many.
The Empty Promises of the Assam Victim Compensation Scheme
Introduced in 2012, the Assam Victim Compensation Scheme was meant to provide relief and rehabilitation for survivors of crimes like rape, acid attacks, kidnapping, and human trafficking. Under this scheme, compensation is offered based on the severity of the crime—up to Rs 2 lakh for cases involving death and Rs 1.75 lakh for facial injuries caused by acid attacks.
Rajiv Kumar Sharma, Chief Functionary of the Global Organisation for Life Development (GOLD), did not hold back his disappointment over the state of victim compensation in Assam.
"The funds are not being released regularly, and many survivors are left waiting indefinitely", he told GPlus. "Only a handful of victims have received the compensation", Sharma informed GPlus.
If the tragedy at Kamakhya railway station wasn’t haunting enough, another brutal case in December 2024 sent shockwaves through Guwahati. In Boragaon’s Nizarapar area, a woman was reportedly lured with Rs 1,000 before being subjected to a night of unimaginable torture.
According to the prime accused, Mrinal Rabha, the victim was initially brought to the Durga Temple area by Rabin Das and another accomplice. What followed was a nightmarish sequence of events—at least nine men took turns raping her, while others stood by, watching and filming the assault.
The footage was later shared online, exposing the depths of depravity the accused had sunk to. “The accused mentioned paying money to the victim, but that is yet to be proven,” said an official from Gorchuk Police Station.
Later, nine men were arrested, but the victim remains missing—perhaps lost forever in the shadows of a system that failed her.
For survivors of rape and sexual assault, legal battles stretch for years. Many never see the justice they deserve. Court cases drag on, investigations stall, and crucial evidence is often lost or tampered with.
Even when justice is served, survivors are left struggling for compensation. Without financial support, they are unable to rebuild their lives, often sinking deeper into trauma and despair.
The Assam government, despite its promises, has done little to ease their suffering. The backlog of unpaid compensation has left countless victims waiting for aid that may never come.
Speaking to GPlus, an official from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) revealed the extent of the crisis. "There are still several cases pending in court, and many victims have not received compensation because we did not get funds from the government," the official said.
According to the official, disbursements have been stalled since 2022 due to a shortage of government funds. "We received Rs 58 lakh in August 2024 and immediately distributed it to victims. But it was not enough. The pending amount is over Rs 1.5 crore, and the government has yet to release the funds," the official added.
While the scheme offers compensation, the delay in release of funds has left many victims waiting for the much-needed relief.
