Victim's family seeks evidence protection, judicial safeguards and transparent investigation into the alleged rape of an 82-year-old woman
Share
DIMAPUR — The family of the 82-year-old woman who was allegedly raped in Kiphire has submitted a memorandum to Nagaland government and police authorities, alleging procedural irregularities and attempts to weaken the investigation while seeking stronger safeguards to preserve evidence and ensure a fair probe.
Addressed to the chief minister, home minister, chief secretary and Kiphire superintendent of police, the representation raises concerns over the handling of the investigation and calls for immediate intervention to safeguard the integrity of the case.
The victim's family has sought strict preservation of the chain of custody of all forensic and documentary evidence, alleging a reasonable apprehension that procedural lapses could create loopholes benefiting the accused.
The memorandum demands that all search-and-seizure records, forensic samples, electronic evidence and material objects collected during the investigation be secured in tamper-proof sealed covers and accompanied by an unbroken chain of custody log in accordance with forensic protocols.
The family also alleged that the officer-in-charge (OC) of the police station concerned has failed to provide certified copies of the First Information Report (FIR), the victim's medical examination report and other investigation documents despite repeated requests and a formal application.
Also read: Kiphire rape case: Nagaland Police constable suspended, women’s body seeks fast-track trial
Condemnations pour in over sexual assault of elderly in Kiphire
Claiming that such documents are statutory entitlements of the victim and her family, the representation alleged that withholding them has hampered their ability to seek timely legal remedies.
Citing the victim's advanced age and trauma, the family further sought the immediate recording of her statement before a judicial magistrate under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), requesting that no police personnel from the police station concerned be present during the process to ensure that the statement is made voluntarily and without coercion.
The memorandum also alleged that after the offence, the accused was deliberately taken to another location and made to consume alcohol before being presented to law enforcement authorities in an attempt to create a defence based on intoxication and dilute criminal liability.
The family has called for a separate investigation into the alleged fabrication of evidence and criminal conspiracy to shield the accused and obstruct the judicial process.
Warning of legal action if the investigation is compromised, the representation stated that the family would approach the High Court seeking transfer of the case to an independent agency, such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a Special Investigation Team (SIT), if mandatory procedures are not followed or evidence is tampered with.
The family urged the government to intervene immediately and ensure a transparent, impartial and legally compliant investigation into the case.