Williamnagar murder case: Rs 10 lakh to victim among demands
From Our Correspondent
WILLIAMNAGAR, July 21: In the wake of the brutal murder of a 19-year-old girl in the town of Williamnagar, the Garo Students’ Union (GSU) – Eastern Zone has demanded institutional reforms, Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the family, the immediate arrest of the alleged culprit as well as action against those officers involved in negligence of duty which led to the murder.
On July 18, a 19-year-old girl from the town was killed by her alleged boyfriend, who is reportedly a habitual sexual offender, when he slit her throat in Samgong locality of Williamnagar, East Garo Hills. The incident caused furore within the entire Garo Hills region with many calling for an immediate reform to how such cases are handled.
“We express deep anguish and outrage over the brutal murder of the young girl in Samgong. Eyewitness accounts and statements from the victim’s family point to serious institutional negligence that may have led to her tragic death,” stated Goera Sangma, president of the GSU – Eastern Zone.
They group added that they verified information from sources and found that the deceased had approached the One Stop Centre (OSC) at Williamnagar on the same day, along with two friends, seeking protection from death threats issued by her alleged boyfriend.
“Following standard protocol, OSC staff informed the Officer-in-Charge of the Williamnagar Women’s Police Station. It was confirmed that the accused was already an absconder in another pending POCSO case. Despite this, no protective shelter or police security was provided. Instead, the OSC officer reportedly gave the girls Rs 40 and sent them in the direction of the known location of the accused, allegedly to aid in tracing him. Shockingly, no police escort was assigned. Tragically, before any action could be taken, the young girl was brutally hacked to death near the residence of the accused,” the organisation added.
The GSU raised several questions on the entire episode asking as to why protective custody was not offered at the OSC. “Why were the girls advised to go near the accused despite the known risks? Why did the police fail to act immediately after receiving the threat report,” it said.
Following the incident, the OC of the Women’s PS has been suspended as was confirmed to the GSU following their meeting with the SP on Monday afternoon.
In view of the incident, GSU demanded the following actions from the Deputy Commissioner of East Garo Hills.
“We demand the immediate arrest of the accused under various relevant sections and a fair, impartial magisterial inquiry. The victim’s family should also be paid Rs 10 lakh as compensation and full legal assistance given to them. We also demand departmental action and suspension of any public officials found guilty of negligence or complicity. There is also a need for systemic reform of OSC and Women Police Station protocols to ensure protection of vulnerable complainants,” the organisation stated.
Terming the case a “systemic breakdown” and not just a case of individual failure, the student body said, “The victim followed the legal path, trusted the system, and was betrayed. Her death is a tragedy born out of institutional apathy and will never be repeated.”
It has urged the administration to act with urgency, transparency and a sense of justice.