SHILLONG: The state witnessed numerous cases of crime, especially those related to women and children, ranging from abduction to rape in 2019.
A look at the incidents that Meghalaya witnessed as the year draws to a close.
7-yr-old raped, killed
In South Garo Hills, the body of a missing seven-year-old girl, suspected to have been raped and murdered in April , was found in a remote village of the district. The villagers had apprehended one person, hailing from Chaipani area of Dalu, as the prime suspect. The suspect, Bichon Ghose, was thrashed by the villagers and later handed over to the police.
Lady found hanging
In a bizarre incident which took place at Golf Links, on December 10, a lady was found hanging on one of the trees at the place. Her boyfriend was arrested as police suspected that it was a case of homicide.
The woman, originally from Mairang, was staying at a rented accommodation in Nongrim Hills. She was working in a shop in the city.
Missing woman in JH
Three persons were arrested in Jaintia Hills in connection with the case of a missing woman, identified as Philinda Law. On November 26, the woman’s body was recovered from Shangpung Mission near the cemetery of the Presbyterian Church. Philinda went missing on November 11. She was a resident of Shangpung Moolibang village in Jaintia Hills. A complaint was lodged at Raliang police outpost on November 19. Police said the missing woman’s mother in-law and other relatives searched for her but could only find her belongings like a slipper, jainsem and scarf near the Um-Iurem river at Kymphup where she worked. The arrested persons are Duneleiki Pala, Wanlang Chullet and Shilakton Langstang.
Minor abducted
In another case, which took place in West Garo Hills in December, a minor girl was abducted. A complaint was lodged against Abdul Hannan Sheikh in the case alleging that he abducted the girl while she was returning home after appearing for her examination.
Ward commissioner of Cantonment board
In November, an 18-year-old girl filed a supplementary FIR against Vikash Gupta, Ward Commissioner of the Shillong Cantonment Board, adding details about the alleged rape. Police had informed that the mother of the victim had filed an FIR earlier following which Vikash was arrested.
MTDC employee
The body of a woman, identified as Iohbianghun Sahkhar, who was an employee of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), was found at a forest in Umbir, Ri Bhoi in June. The police had registered a murder case on the mysterious incident. The police had said that a nylon rope was found tied around her neck and some bluish marks were found on her left hand.
11 held for flesh trade
As many as 11 persons were arrested and 8 victims were rescued in June in connection with a sex racket, operating at Mihmyntdu in West Jaintia Hills, targeting minor girls. The development had prompted the Chairperson of State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Meena Kharkongor to seek a report regarding the matter.
Pending POCSO cases
Meanwhile, Meena Kharkongor, Chairperson of State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, had rued slow trials for conviction in POCSO cases and said that over 600 cases were pending with very few disposals. She had demanded for more women personnel to deal with crimes against women and children.
