CSWO chief alleges coercion by family of twin-rape accused

SHILLONG: The families of child rape victims are facing harassment from the relatives of the accused following an FIR filed by CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing, after receipt of a complaint from the parents of the victims.
Kharshiing on Tuesday condemned the threat to the victims’ families.
The two children (aged 7 and 9 years) were allegedly raped by one Proster Wahlang (60). Kharshiing in the FIR stated that the accused raped them on several occasions. “He has raped one of the victims since the age of 7 years and she is now 9 years of age,” the FIR said.
The mothers of the two children never suspected any foul play. The two children also did not disclose the matter to anyone out of fear.
The incident came to light only after the children confided about the crime to one of their friends.
Following the incident and the filing of the FIR, the victims’ families have been facing pressure from the relatives of the accused, who is reportedly married to the sister of one of the victims’ mother while the other victim is a tenant of the accused.