CSWO raises concern over rising rape

SHILLONG: The Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) has expressed concern over the rising number of rape cases in the State and the way some cases are being hushed up or not reported.
Enumerating the various cases involving minor victims, CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing said in a media statement that in a recent case under Pynursla police station where a young student was gang raped allegedly by four persons, the incident was reported late to the police station while there are sources saying there were people trying to cover up the incident.
“The very fact that they knew there were four persons, means the victim has managed to tell about the heinous attack on her,” she said.
CSWO demanded the immediate arrests of the accused.
In another case, a child was taken for scanning to Dr H Gordon Robert Hospital where scanning showed a live foetus of 30 weeks. Yet the doctor did not report the matter to the police. Not believing the report as the child was a minor who cannot hear or speak, the relative took her for another examination in another private hospital which confirmed the pregnancy.
“On getting information the CSWO contacted the relatives and advised they file an FIR which they did in Khliehriat Police Station last week,” Kharshiing said.
Among several such cases of victimisation and harassment of minor rape survivors, Kharshiing, in reference to one, said, “…when authorities appointed to safeguard children fail to complain about such serious matters and the question arises as to who will file the complaint if a father rapes his own daughter when officials of the Social Welfare and the Police do not take sou motu cognizance,”she added.
“Mother would definitely, in such cases, deter from filing the FIR to protect her husband.” Kharshiing said.