SHILLONG: Eight members of a women organization from a locality in the city were detained by the police in connection with the recent assault of three girls, whose hairs were tonsured in public here on Tuesday evening.
The members of Seng Longkmie of Pynthor were picked up by women police of Pastuer Beat House from the premises of the Meghalaya State Women’s Commission (MSWC)’s office based on an FIR lodged by CSWO on September 24.
East Khasi Hills SP Davis Marak confirmed that the eight women were detained for identification and were later released.
Earlier, the three girls who were allegedly assaulted by the members of Seng Longkmie of Pynthorbah locality on September 14 could not depose before the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW)
Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, MSCW chairperson, Theilin Phanbuh said that they could not pursue the matter since the three victims were not able to depose before the commission as they were still undergoing treatment in the hospital
She said that the commission wanted to hear from the victim before recording the statement of the members of the Seng Longkmie.
It may be mentioned that the commission on Tuesday had summoned Seng Longkmie of the locality and also the victims to its office.
“We would decide how to pursue further with this matter after hearing both the parties,” Phanbuh said.
She further informed that they had taken up this case after the Manbha Foundation had filed a complaint with the commission on behalf of the three girls.
The MSCW chairperson also said that the commission have to proceed very cautiously since CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing had already filed an FIR with the police in the incident.
“We cannot interfere with the court matters,” Phanbuh added.
The three girls were publicly assaulted with scissor while a group of women from the locality tonsured their hair besides beating them with a stick. The incident took place at 11.30 pm on September 14.
Based on a video clipping of the inhumane act, the Civil Society Women’s Organization (CSWO) president Agnes Kharshiing immediately filed an FIR with the officer in charge of Pasteur Beat House, Polo Shillong.