SHILLONG: Mawhati MLA Julius Dorphang, who was one of the prime accused in the 14-year-old girl’s rape and trafficking case, was remanded in 14-day judicial custody on January 25.
Before this, he was sent to 14-day judicial custody by a local court in Ri Bhoi on January 18. He was arrested on January 7 and sent to 14-day judicial custody on January 12.
Dorphang is accused of raping the girl on two occasions, once in a guest house in Motinagar and once in a resort in Umiam. The MLA’s latest judicial custody will end on February 7.
Multiple FIRs were registered in Madanrting, Laitumkhrah and Laban Police stations following the raid and rescue of the 14-year-old girl. Based on different FIRs, Shillong police have arrested as many as 17 persons. East Khasi Hills SP M. Kharkrang said on Tuesday officers investigating the rape and trafficking case have been asked to step on the gas and submit charge-sheets at the earliest.
On whether the transfer of the Madanrting officer in charge in the middle of the investigation would affect the probe, Kharkrang said the person in question was neither among the investigating officers nor was he supervising the cases. “His transfer will not have any bearing on the cases,” the SP added. When asked about the FIR against Marvelene’s Inn, Kharkrang said, “We have not closed the case and we have not reached a conclusion… the matter is being investigated.”
