MAWKYRWAT, March 25: As many as six women from different villages in Mawkyrwat on Thursday complained to South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, C Kharkongor, alleging abuse and harassment meted out to their children and relatives by Mawkyrwat Police.
The relatives were accused of being involved in criminal activities.
They alleged that after arresting their sons and relatives, the police beat them up while they were under police custody.
“We learned about these illegal actions by the police after visiting the Mawkyrwat Police Station. Our children could not even walk because of the injuries. We have no objection to the arrest; however, the assault is illegal and in violation of Section 330 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as the law does not allow police to beat up the accused while they are under police custody,” the women alleged. They also alleged that the cops were drunk when they arrived in their house at night searching for their children. “There are times when only policemen forcefully come in our house, when it is occupied by only women. Then they threaten us and use bad words, which are unacceptable in our society. They even take away the blankets while we are asleep in our beds; and this we feel is illegal,” they said.
The complainants also claimed that the police searched their house as if they were looking for ‘terrorists’, adding that in one incident, they even coerced the mother into sign papers to let them take away the mobile phone, while they spilled the rice on the floor in another case.
“As women, we condemn this illegal and barbarian act of Mawkyrwat Police, which has given rise to fear in our children. Therefore, we look up to you to intervene and take action against these police officials who have misused their powers,” the women said.
After meeting the DC, the women informed that the DC has assured them to take up the issue with South West Khasi Hills SP, Maxwell B Syiem.
