Rimpu Bagan case
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 1: State BJP vice president and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak has said that the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission’s decision in the Rimpu Bagan case has established that the youths arrested during the raid were unlawfully and illegally implicated.
Marak stated that the relief granted to the victims demonstrated that the arrests were the result of an unwarranted operation, and that the youths had been falsely framed. He said the victims had shown courage in pursuing justice, adding that their efforts ultimately led to the truth emerging.
The BJP leader alleged that despite being coalition partners, the NPP-led government had targeted BJP leaders, and that during the Rimpu Bagan raid attempts were made to implicate several BJP members in false cases.
He further claimed that cases allegedly fabricated against innocent youths were now reflecting on elected representatives, but were being quietly suppressed.
Marak also criticised the organisation of the Me’Gong Festival, describing it as a Bru festival where facilities were provided free to the affluent, while poorer sections were made to pay for basic necessities.
He maintained that the allegations levelled earlier against the arrested youths had now been disproved, and that the MHRC’s findings had finally brought clarity to the case.
Recently, the MHRC had recommended payment of compensation of Rs 50,000 each to 15 victims of alleged human rights violations during a controversial police operation in Rimpu Bagan, Tura, conducted on July 22, 2022.
The Commission received a total of 30 complaints related to the operation and subsequent detention of individuals by the police. Of these, 15 cases were later withdrawn by the complainants.
After conducting a detailed inquiry into the remaining 15 cases—including examination of evidence and hearing submissions from both sides—the MHRC issued its final order on Thursday.
The police operation targeted Rimpu Bagan, a 30-room farmhouse in Edenbari locality of Tura, owned by Bernard. Authorities alleged the premises was being used as a brothel.
The initial raid began on the evening of July 22, 2022, and continued into the next morning. A follow-up search on July 28 uncovered additional items.
During the operation, 5 or 6 minors were rescued from “dingy, unhygienic rooms” allegedly kept under lock and key. 73 individuals (including young men and women) were arrested, some of whom were found drinking and, in certain cases, unclothed.
Police seized over 400 bottles of liquor, around 500 packets of condoms, 36-37 vehicles, and 47 mobile phones.
A follow-up search recovered 35 gelatin sticks, 100 detonators, 4 crossbows, and 15 arrows from a secret chamber.
