By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: While strongly criticizing the rape of the 14-year-old minor girl, Chairperson, Meghalaya State Women Commission (MSWC), Roshan Warjri has demanded that the accused Small Phawa should be immediately brought to book for committing the heinous crime.
“We demand that the accused should be brought to book as per the provision of the law,” Ms Warjri told The Shillong Times on Thursday.
Stating that the rape against the young girl is an abuse of the highest order since the accused had taken the advantage of her being a minor, Warjri said that the police should complete the investigation of the case at the earliest so that the accused can be brought to book.
“I have personally discussed with both the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police (SP), Jaintia Hills on this particular case. In fact, I have been assured by the SP that they would try to complete the investigation of this case as soon as possible,” the MSWC chairperson said.
Warjri also feels that a sensitive case like this should be referred to the fast track court for early disposal of the matter.
While expressing shock at the claim of the accused that it was not rape but consensual sex, she said it is impossible to think that a 14-year old girl would have consented to have sex.
“As per the law, a minor is still a victim even if the accused claims it to be a consented act,” Warjri said.
As per the law, she said that having a sexual relationship with a mentally challenged woman and also with a woman who is intoxicated is still a rape since they are not in the right mental frame to think what is right.
Warjri also criticized the CSWO (Irene) for trying to protect the accused who is responsible for inflicting a life-long mental trauma on the young minor girl.
“The NGO’s role here is highly questionable,” the MSWC Chairperson added.