SHILLONG, July 13: The KSU on Monday demanded the immediate arrest of the male nurse accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl at NEIGRIHMS and sought stringent legal action against those allegedly supporting him.
A KSU delegation met East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem and submitted a memorandum to him, demanding swift action in the case.
Later, KSU general secretary Reuben A. Najiar told reporters that the union was dissatisfied with the pace of police investigation.
“We urged the police to immediately arrest the accused. Although this is a cognisable and non-bailable offence, yet no arrest has been made so far.The delay raises serious concerns and undermines the victim’s quest for justice,” Najiar said.
According to the memorandum, the alleged incident took place on July 4 after the girl had undergone an appendicitis operation at NEIGRIHMS.
The KSU alleged that after the surgery, the minor was shifted to an observation room where she was left alone with a male nurse, with no female nurse or attendant present. It alleged that the nurse sexually assaulted the minor while she was in a vulnerable condition following the operation.
The KSU further stated that the girl narrated the incident to her mother after she was shifted to the ward. The family lodged an FIR with the Mawdiangdiang police outpost on the same day.
Najiar alleged that the police did not take prompt action and initiated an inquiry at the hospital only after the union had intervened nearly two days later.
He expressed concern over a protest, reportedly held by the male nurses and other staff members at NEIGRIHMS on July 7 in support of the accused.
“It is disturbing that hospital staff chose to demonstrate in support of a person accused in such a serious offence. We requested the police to examine their role and take appropriate legal action wherever warranted,” Najiar said.
He urged the police to invoke Section 17 of the POCSO Act against those who allegedly abetted or aided the accused by concealing material facts or otherwise supporting him.
The KSU appealed to the police to recommend the suspension of all hospital staff allegedly connected with the case to prevent any possibility of tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses during the investigation.
The student body said the accused, who is not from Shillong, might flee if not arrested promptly, making immediate custodial action in accordance with the law necessary.
