A local leader of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) was killed, while his cousin sustained critical injuries in an attack in Assam's Nalbari district, police said on Monday.
The incident took place on Sunday evening in Gangapur village near Jagara when the two were returning home from Nalbari town after buying books.
The deceased was identified as Madhurjya Barman, and was an assistant secretary of Paschim Nalbari Aanchalik Satra Santha, a regional unit of the AASU.
According to police, he suffered cuts on his head and neck, and he was immediately brought to Nalbari Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
His cousin was seriously injured in the attack and is currently undergoing treatment at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, the police official said.
"As per information, at least one person, identified as Ashik Ali alias Roj Ali, stopped the AASU leader's scooter 300 metres from the deceased's residence and attacked them with a machete. He is on the run and a manhunt has been launched to nab him," the officer said.
AASU vice president Bhabajit Bezbaruah condemned the attack and demanded immediate action against the accused.
"The AASU will take out a protest rally at Nalbari town today, demanding justice for Barman. The incident has exposed the hollow state of affairs," he said.
The incident has sparked outrage among locals and student bodies, with calls for swift justice. The police have intensified searches in nearby areas to track down the absconding accused. Further investigations are underway to ascertain the motive behind the attack.
