By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Police on Sunday arrested thirteen of the accused out of sixteen who were involved in the gang rape of a girl near the Sacred Heart School at Williamnagar, East Garo Hills while she was returning home from the Simsang Festival venue along with two of her friends on Thursday at around 11pm.
The arrested persons have been identified as Jefri N Marak, Kesen N Marak, Platon C Marak, Chengcho T Sangma, Roning M Sangma, Eddie C Marak, Tairus M Sangma, Hostan Momin, Holris Momin, Jebius B Marak, Cherak M Sangma, Loston Ch Marak and Patrick Sangma.
Meanwhile, a senior police official on Sunday informed that IGP (Western Range) Heimonlang Nongpluh has been directed to go to the place of occurrence and investigate the case. Taking strong cognizance of the shocking incident, GSU president Tengsak G Momin said that all those involved in this shameful act should be booked.
“It is pretty sad that a girl was raped in such a manner. What is worse is that all the accused who raped the girl hail from the neighbouring villages,” Momin said.
“The authorities should seriously look into the issue of security of young women during these kinds of festivals and there should be some control on those who consume alcohol during such festivals,” the GSU president said, adding, “We would take up the matter with the East Garo Hills district administration.”
CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing expressed shock at the incident and demanded stringent action against those involved in the crime.
Kharshiing also said that a good Assistant Public Prosecutor should be appointed who would object any move by any of the accused to obtain bail.
She demanded that the case should be referred to the fast track court and the medical report be immediately provided to the victim.
“We have always seen that there is a tendency of delaying the medical report. I do not think this is right since it would dilute this case,” the CSWO president said.