Police register FIR after CCTV footage goes viral
SHILLONG, May 25: A deeply disturbing incident in Umsohsun locality has triggered outrage and concern after CCTV footage went viral showing a masked man engaging in inappropriate behaviour with a schoolgirl. Police have registered a suo motu case at Lumdiengjri police station against the yet-to-be-identified pervert.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Vivek Syiem, stated that the case has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
Efforts are currently under way to identify and apprehend the suspect, he added.
According to the SP, the incident occurred in Umsohsun, along the route to YMCA adding that the location has been verified.
“We have also examined the victim,” he added.
The footage, caught on camera on Friday morning, shows a man standing in a narrow lane with his face covered, deliberately targeting schoolgirls. The masked individual is seen lifting the skirt of a schoolgirl and recording the act on his mobile phone.
Condemning the incident, Rangbah Shnong of Umsohsun, Tribelget Dkhar on Sunday said, “The incident is from Umsohsun…the culprit has not been identified yet. The police came today morning itself. We condemned the incident and it is no one from our locality. The alley is a thoroughfare and a lot of people walk through that way and we did not expect any such thing to happen.”
Dkhar highlighted that while security measures are in place, the incident caught everyone off guard. “We patrol for drug addicts especially at night. We have one security home guard during the day time who monitors car parking or any other incident and brings it to the notice of the police department,” he said.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly among parents and guardians, and serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safety measures in public spaces. Police have urged residents to remain vigilant, report any suspicious behaviour, and ensure children avoid isolated paths, especially during early or late hours.