A horrific incident has surfaced from Assam’s Sribhumi district where two prison warders have been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a mentally disabled homeless woman inside the jail premises. The act, committed in the early hours of Saturday, has triggered outrage and renewed calls for accountability in custodial facilities.

The two accused, identified as Hareshwar Kalita and Gajendra Kalita, aged between 45 and 50, are residents of Panjabari and Boragaon in Guwahati. They were arrested after being caught red-handed by a patrolling police team near the jail compound around 1:30 am.

Caught in the Act During Patrol

Security personnel, while conducting routine surveillance, became suspicious of activities inside the jail quarters and intervened. According to officials, the woman was found inside one of the jail’s barracks, visibly traumatised. The guards, who were allegedly committing the assault at the time, were immediately detained and handed over to the police.

The woman, described as mentally challenged and unhoused, was reportedly roaming the streets alone when the accused exploited her vulnerability. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but doctors have since confirmed that she is now stable and receiving necessary care.

Legal Action and Investigation Underway

Additional Superintendent of Police Pranabjyoti Kalita confirmed that the two jail employees have been taken into custody and a formal case has been registered against them. “As soon as the information came in, our team acted swiftly. The investigation is moving forward, and the accused will soon be presented in court,” he said.

Superintendent of Police Partha Pratim Das added that both men were working as jail warders and used their official access to lure or bring the woman into the jail compound. “It is a clear misuse of power. The jail, which is supposed to offer security and justice, became a site of violence,” he stated.

Public Outcry and Administrative Lapses

This case has ignited strong reactions from civil society and women’s rights groups, who are demanding swift justice and a comprehensive review of custodial safety mechanisms. “The protectors have turned into predators. How can we trust institutions if such crimes happen within jail walls?” said a local activist.

Concerns have also been raised over the lack of monitoring and the failure of the jail administration to ensure security even within high-surveillance areas. Citizens and rights advocates are urging the state government to reform jail staff vetting procedures and install more robust oversight systems.