Sexual abuse of minors on the rise in WJH

JOWAI: The number of cases of sexual abuse of minors in West Jaintia Hills is on the rise and most of the crimes are committed by stepfathers and a few by persons known to the victims.
Eighteen cases under the POCSO Act — four cases each in January and March, three in August and two each in May and September, and one case each in April, June and July — have been registered at Jowai police station alone till October this year
Two more cases were registered on Tuesday against a 13-year-old boy who allegedly raped an eight-year-old girl and attempted to rape a seven-year-old.
The juvenile who was apprehended by police escaped from the custody of the United States Childline Jowai a night after he was handed over to the Childline team.
According to West Jaintia Hills SP R. Muthu, broken families are leading to such heinous crimes in the District.
“A broken family is one of the reasons contributing to a high rate of child sexual abuse,” the SP said, adding, “The persons who committed such crimes are those who are either close family members or adults known to the children.”
Technology, like smart phones with internet facility that allow access to various porn sites, is also contributing to the rise in rape cases, said a resident of Jowai.
To control such crimes, there should be a speedy trial and conviction against those accused persons, said officer in charge at Jowai Police station T.J Synrem.
Remarriages are also fuelling such crims as in many cases, stepfathers are involved.