SHILLONG, July 13: Meghalaya Police have issued a nationwide lookout notice while stepping up efforts to trace a youth accused of raping a minor and sexually exploiting multiple young women.
The accused, a local college student, has gone absconding after allegations against him went viral on social media around July 6, triggering public outrage and demands for swift justice.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said on Monday that a lookout notice was first issued for Mizoram before being expanded across all states. A special team has also been constituted to trace and arrest him.
The case gained traction after the allegations surfaced on social media last week. An FIR has since been registered, and the complainant’s statement has been recorded. During investigation, police learned there may be other victims.
“The victim’s statement has been recorded, and we have come to know that there may be other victims. They will also be examined in due course,” he said.
“We have spoken to some more victims, but only over the phone. They have now been asked to come forward and give their statements and file FIRs, which they are yet to do,” he said.
On social media claims suggesting the youth may have as sexually exploited as many as eight victims, the SP cautioned that the figure remains unverified.
“The social media claim that there are eight victims is not a fact at this stage. We are yet to verify it. Unless people come forward, give their statements, and we examine them, we cannot confirm that they are victims,” he said.
Refuting speculation that the accused had fled to Aizawl, Syiem said Meghalaya Police have been coordinating closely with their Mizoram counterparts.
“I have been in touch with the SP of Aizawl. The Aizawl Police searched the accused’s residence, but he was not there. He has not gone to Aizawl,” Syiem said.
The immediate priority remains the arrest of the accused. The charge sheet will be filed once he is apprehended and further evidence is gathered, he added.
