With 400 pending cases, there’s no end to agony of minor rape victims

SHILLONG: With the anger against rape of minors still persisting despite the Centre promulgating the ordinance on death sentence, the agony of minor rape victims in Meghalaya continues due to low conviction rate.
Defective investigations, lack of scientific approach in probes and slow conviction by judiciary have resulted in hundreds of cases pending in courts under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to official records in East Khasi Hills till January this year, there are as many as 196 POCSO cases pending without conviction.
In Nongpoh, there are 83 cases pending while in West Garo Hills, as many as 89 cases are awaiting conviction.
In West Jaintia Hills, there were 60 pending cases and out of this, five were convicted and two persons were acquitted.
In East Garo Hills, out of the five pending cases, one is awaiting judgment.
West Khasi Hills made a difference as there was more conviction of the accused compared to other districts.
In West Khasi Hills, out of the 74 cases charge-sheeted since 2013 to 2016, 11 were convicted and another 11 were acquitted.
The chairperson of State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Meena Kharkongor, said the low conviction is due to the delay at all levels – taking evidence, argument, framing charges and appearance of the accused.
“The prosecution should be strong which will only bring out the desired result,” she said.
Special prosecutors
Kharkongor said the Law Department should scrutinise properly before appointing special prosecutors.
According to her, the child rights commission should be taken into account while appointing special prosecutors.
She deplored that there is lack of consultation on the part of the Law Department.
Another cause for concern is the tardy investigation by police as there is shortage of trained personnel.
Police have admitted that the officers who are entrusted with multiple assignments are also tasked with criminal investigation, thereby causing delay in completing the probe.
Sex education
Kharkongor also said there is a need to start sex education from Class VI which will help to create more awareness on matters related to reducing rape cases. “Sex education must be introduced in schools and we will meet the chief minister to put forward this suggestion to him,” Kharkongor said.