Women protest against the alleged double murder, on Wednesday. (AT Photo)

Tezpur, May 13: On Wednesday, significant protests broke out in the Jamugurihat-Hatinga-Rampur region of Assam following the death of a second victim from a violent incident that occurred on May 10.

Local residents expressed their outrage by blocking NH-15 for several hours, demanding justice for the brutal killings of Lila Baruah and Rakesh Sarmah from the Ranga Sokua locality.

Reports indicate that after learning about Sarmah's death, who had been in critical condition at GNRC Hospital in Guwahati for three days, a furious crowd descended upon the home of the alleged perpetrator, Jayanta Barman, in Itakhola, leading to vandalism.

As the protests escalated, local businesses and markets closed in solidarity, with demonstrators calling for severe penalties against the accused.

Authorities, including police and a magistrate, arrived to calm the situation, assuring the crowd that Barman had been apprehended and that justice would be served for the victims' families.

Padma Hazarika, the local legislator, visited the scene to assess the situation. He addressed the crowd, promising government support for the victims' families and urging calm among the residents.

“This is a tragic moment. We have lost two young lives, and it is heartbreaking. I denounce this incident and assure the community that the government stands with them. We will strive for the harshest punishment for the accused,” he stated.

Hazarika also cautioned against taking the law into their own hands or extending protests to neighboring villages, urging patience and restraint.

The violent incident occurred when Baruah and Sarmah were returning from a Bihu celebration, during which Barman allegedly attacked Baruah with a sharp weapon. Sarmah was also assaulted when he attempted to intervene.

While Baruah died at the scene, Sarmah succumbed to his injuries at a medical facility in Guwahati on May 13.

Protests have persisted in the area since May 10, including demonstrations outside the Jamugurihat Police Station.