The family of a Mizo youth accused of rape and sexual exploitation has claimed they have not received any communication from the police regarding the FIR and has expressed willingness to cooperate with investigators if formally summoned. The statement comes despite East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirming that the accused is ‘absconding’ and that the police are searching for him. Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) Chairperson Agatha Sangma had also stated that the accused had fled to Mizoram and that a police team was being sent to bring him back.
In a telephonic conversation, the father of the accused said the family was not in a position to comment on the allegations and had not been informed about any criminal case against his son. ‘From our end, we cannot make any statement right now. Whatever information you need, you can collect it from the court or from the police station handling the case. I’m sorry that I cannot tell you anything at this time,’ he said.
He questioned the police’s description of his son as ‘absconding’, stating that he must have left Shillong for his safety as there were no charges against him at the time. The father also stated that the family would cooperate if officially contacted by the authorities. The father’s statements differ from the version provided by the police, with East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem maintaining that an FIR has been registered and that the accused is absconding.
MSCPCR Chairperson Agatha Sangma has also said the commission is assisting the investigation and that the police are making efforts to bring the accused back from Mizoram. Sangma learnt about the allegations independently and immediately reached out to the police and child protection authorities before the matter was officially brought to the commission. The police have not publicly disclosed further details of the FIR or the specific offences invoked.
The investigation is ongoing. The Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights is working closely with the East Khasi Hills Police in connection with the investigation, with MSCPCR Chairperson Agatha Sangma stating that the commission has taken cognisance of the matter and is extending all possible support to the investigation. According to Sangma, the commission has located just one person who has come forward, although authorities suspect there could be more victims.
Mizo civil society organisations in Shillong have condemned the alleged acts and extended full support to the ongoing police investigation. The organisations, including the Young Mizo Association, the Mizo Students’ Union, and Mizo women’s organisations, have appealed to anyone with evidence or who may have been affected to cooperate with investigators. They have also offered to assist the police whenever needed, stating that if victims or anyone with evidence find it difficult to approach the police, they can come to them and they will help them.
