Lanong blames cops for spurt in rapes

SHILLONG: UDP working president Bindo M. Lanong on Saturday blamed police apathy in cases of crime against women and children for the low rate of conviction and the sudden rise in the crime in the Meghalaya.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on Saturday, Lanong said many times rape accused are not punished harshly and they get away in a matter of few months since police do not take interest in such cases.
“In many cases, police do not take cognizance and are slow. This multiplies the crime… If police officers take interest and responsibility in such cases, half the battle is won,” Lanong said while reacting to the growing cases of crime against women and children in the State.
The UDP leader further said lower courts should be stronger while dealing with rape cases and disposal of cases has to be fast.
“Courts will be slow when police is slow in its investigation,” the former deputy chief minister said referring to a case where the rape accused got bail the day after he was arrested.   Lanong said a case should be disposed of in six months and “it is possible” as a court in Uttar Pradesh had sentenced one person to death within a year of his trial.
Meanwhile, the UDP leader said Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh must resign over the incident that took place in his lodge. “The Chief Minister is examining the demand but what is there to examine when results are already out and everyone knows about it,” he said.