AMPATI, April 24: The South West Garo Hills (SWGH) district police arrested four people suspected to be involved in the sexual assault on two minor girls near the Chenga Benga Mela venue on April 17.
The four are residents of the adjoining South Salmara district of Assam.
In separate incidents, the same group of miscreants sexually assaulted the two minor girls and physically assaulted their male colleagues before fleeing to Assam.
The SWGH police began an investigation after three separate cases were registered at the Ampati police station in connection with the two incidents. Two persons were subsequently arrested on April 23 and two Wednesday morning in a joint operation by the Meghalaya and Assam police.
“We have arrested four persons in the case so far. Two suspects were arrested by the Assam police from Hatsingimari yesterday. We arrested another from Rajabala while he was on a night bus en-route to Guwahati. The fourth suspect was arrested from Teporpara near the Assam-Meghalaya border,” SWGH Superintendent of Police, Vikas Yadav said.
“We are on the lookout for the others involved in the case and will not spare any,” he added.
All the four arrested have been sent to five-day police custody where more details are expected to emerge.
Women’s Commission condemns gang-rape
The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) has condemned the gang rape of two minor girls in SWGH.
The commission said such abhorrent behaviour has no place in society and is a grave violation of human rights.
“We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” it said.
The MSCW urged the law enforcement authorities to swiftly investigate the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. It also called for stronger measures to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
“We must unite to combat all forms of violence against women and girls and ensure their safety and well-being. We will not tolerate such acts and remain committed to creating a society where everyone can live without fear of harm or discrimination,” the commission added.
The Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association also condemned the sexual assault.
“Such reprehensible acts deeply shocked and saddened us, and we firmly stand in solidarity with the victims and their families during this traumatic time,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.
The association urged the authorities concerned to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face the full force of law.
“Our community stands united against such despicable crimes and we call for concerted efforts to safeguard the safety and dignity of all individuals, especially our children,” it said.
