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Aminul Islam, the main accused in the Bongaigaon student molestation case. (Photo: AT)

Bongaigaon, July 18: Authorities in Bongaigaon have apprehended the primary suspect along with two other educators linked to the alleged molestation of students at a private residential girls' madrassa. This action follows the sealing of the institution by local administration after protests from parents and community members.

The main suspect, Aminul Islam, was taken into custody in Dumuria on Friday. Additionally, two trustee members and teachers, Abdul Jabbar and Hajrat Ali, were arrested in Tinkunia and Piradhora, respectively.

According to police reports, a case (No. 109/2026) has been filed at Jogighopa Police Station against all three individuals.

These arrests were made after allegations emerged that a teacher at the Ishaatul Uloom Madrassatul Banat, a privately operated residential madrassa in Malegarh, had molested students.

The accusations led to significant public outrage, prompting parents to file complaints at the Jogighopa Police Station. In response, local residents and guardians vandalized parts of the madrassa in protest.

Police intervened to restore order and subsequently detained the madrassa's head, Omar Farukh, for allegedly not having the required documentation to operate the educational institution as per government regulations.

Following the complaints, an executive magistrate from the Abhayapuri co-district administration ordered the madrassa to be sealed on the evening of July 14. The institution, which has been functioning under a trust since 2020, will remain closed pending further investigation.

All female students residing and studying at the madrassa were returned to their guardians after the premises were sealed.

Investigators are currently looking into the allegations and the operational practices of the madrassa, with additional legal actions anticipated.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding teacher misconduct in Assam. A study released in April 2026 indicated that approximately 35% of reported teacher misconduct cases in the state over the last four years were associated with sexual abuse allegations, alongside other issues such as harassment and misuse of authority.

The report emphasized the urgent need for enhanced institutional safeguards, improved monitoring systems, and swift action against accused educators to protect student safety.