SHILLONG: The rising cases of crime against women in Meghalaya have put the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) in a quandary.
More than 100 cases of sexual assault have been reported between January and February. The 86 cognizable crimes include 17 rapes, two gang rapes and 15 cases of attempted sexual harassment.
Besides, 42 cases were registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). Four cases of kidnapping and abduction were also reported.
There are 52 cases of crime against children in January-February and these include 42 cases under POCSO Act and eight cases of kidnapping and abduction.
Speaking on the prevailing situation, SCPCR chairperson Meena Kharkongor said, “We are really in a dilemma and we don’t know what is happening to our society.”
Kharkongor said cases are being registered “but if they are not disposed of then it does not help the cause”.
“See what happened in the case of Julius Dorphang. The charge sheet has been filed but trial is not starting,” she said and added that the courts, which work under tremendous pressure, must act fast on cases of crime against women and children.
The SCPCR chief pointed out that the State Government must act fast on the constitution of special courts to try such cases after the nod from the High Court.
“I will soon have a discussion with the law department in this regard,” she added.
