SHILLONG: Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh said on Saturday he has done nothing wrong for which he has to step down. Civil societies and NGOs have been demanding the Minister’s resignation in connection with the rape and trafficking of a 14-year-old girl. The recent case of sexual harassment involving the Governor and the subsequent resignation of V. Shanmuganathan has turned the heat on the Home Minister.
The minor girl was raped five times at Marvelene’s Inn, a guest house at Rilbong that is owned by Lyngdoh’s family. However, the Minister said on Saturday the guest house is not run by him but by “the management”. “What wrong have I done? If you talk about crime then it can take place anywhere and no one can predict it,” he said when asked why he should not resign when there are strong allegations against him. Lyngdoh, when asked if he too should step down in view of the resignation of V. Shanmuganathan, said “the Governor’s case is different” and that he has no complicity in the case.
He denied having any knowledge of the sex trade in the guest house or influencing the ongoing investigation. “Investigation is on and there is no tampering or interference and investigation agencies are carrying out their duties freely.” When asked about the sudden transfer of Madanrting Officer in charge B K Mishra when the investigation is still on, the Minister once again said he was not aware of the development.
“I have no knowledge and all is with the department and I have nothing to say,” Lyngdoh added.
