SHILLONG: The question of low conviction in the State where the crime graph has shot up in the last few years nettled Chief Minister Mukul Sangma who passed the buck to the judiciary on Wednesday.
Sangma was visibly annoyed when he was asked by media persons on Wednesday about the low rate of conviction due to lack of evidence. He said conviction of cases is beyond his control as “it is the judiciary that conducts the trial on the cases”.
“You put this question before the judiciary,” was all the Chief Minister had to say at a time when several cases of crime against women and children are pending and accused are hardly convicted.
However, Sangma ensured that none of those involved in various forms of crimes, including those against women and children, would get away in Meghalaya.
The CM, while once again reposing faith in the ability of the state police in handling cases of sexual harassment and violence against women and minors, said the Government is committed to punishing wrong-doers “so that there is fear of law” and to ensure this it has taken several legislative measures.
When asked about the ill-equipped Forensic Science Laboratory, Sangma, who was speaking on the sidelines of the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, said the matter is being looked into by the police headquarters.
He said the Government would utilise the facility at NEIGRIHMS for forensic tests.
On the spurt in crime against women and children in Meghalaya that will complete its 45th year of statehood on Saturday, the Chief Minister said a number of police stations have been set up and some are upgraded to strengthen the department. Also, the judiciary and the executive bodies are being separated in all districts, besides setting up special courts.
