Civil society groups in Dimapur have demanded a Special Investigation Team probe into a minor sexual assault case, warning of intensified protests over alleged lapses.
Share
DIMAPUR — Pressure mounted on investigators in a minor sexual assault case on Tuesday as the Dimapur Eastern Naga Students' Union (DENSU), the Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) and several civil society organisations demanded the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The organisations gathered outside the Women Police Station in Dimapur and submitted a memorandum to the Commissioner of Police seeking the formation of an SIT, while also warning of intensified protests if due process is not carried out properly.
DENSU president Thongule Sangtam said the proposed SIT should be headed by an officer of at least the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) or Inspector General (IG), with overall monitoring by Director General of Police Rupin Sharma.
He said DENSU, along with the Naga Council Dimapur, was submitting a representation to the Commissioner of Police and was also considering approaching the DGP with a similar demand to ensure what he described as a fair, impartial and fast-track investigation.
Related: Fresh details emerge in Dimapur minor abuse case; DENSU seeks fast-track probe
Second accused arrested in Lengrijan sexual assault case
Sangtam also raised concerns over what the organisation described as procedural lapses in the handling of the case. Referring to photographs allegedly showing the accused smiling in a mugshot, he said the organisation viewed such conduct as insensitive and disrespectful to the victim and the wider community.
The DENSU president further demanded that the accused's mother and elder sister be questioned as part of the investigation and called for the arrest of a third accused person, alleging involvement in acts that also fall under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
WATCH MORE:
Expressing concern over reports of a possible bail application on medical grounds, Sangtam said the organisations opposed any move to grant bail to the accused and warned that public agitation could intensify if such a development takes place.
He also claimed that the minor victim was experiencing severe trauma despite undergoing counselling.
WNYF president Aga Rengma voiced support for DENSU's demands and argued that the accused should not be booked solely under the POCSO Act but also under all applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act.
Rengma alleged that information contained in the victim's statement indicated that a weapon had been used to threaten and intimidate the minor. He maintained that investigators should examine whether provisions of the Arms Act were attracted, irrespective of whether the firearm involved was licensed.
DENSU general secretary Sheren Shiu called for a thorough investigation into the role of the accused's mother, alleging that the incidents took place at her residence and questioning whether she could have remained unaware of the alleged abuse.
Shiu further alleged that the accused's mother had attempted to malign the victim's character and urged investigators to examine the matter. She also sought an investigation into allegations that a firearm was used during the commission of the offence.
Describing the case as serious, she said justice should be delivered through a transparent and comprehensive legal process.
Shiu said DENSU would continue its agitation until justice is secured and appealed to the public to support the cause.
The union also disclosed that a representation, accompanied by condemnation letters from nearly 50 organisations, had been submitted to the Commissioner of Police.
Members of the Naga Council Dimapur were present at the police station and held discussions with representatives of the organisations.
Speaking to reporters, Naga Council Dimapur president GK Rengma said all stakeholders should cooperate with one another to ensure that the matter progresses positively.