TURA: A silent mass rally, organised by the Meghalaya Koch Students’ Union, echoed through the streets of South West Garo Hills, Ampati, on Thursday.
Drawing attention to the heinous gang rape incident at Chenga Benga Mela on April 16, the rally began from the Ghasura Cultural Centre before culminating at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Over 7,654 individuals, representing various organisations including Meghalaya Koch Association, Meghalaya Koch Women Association, Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association, Hajong Student Union and Garo Student Union, participated in the rally.
The collective voice demanded justice for the victims and urged for enhanced women’s safety measures within the state.
A memorandum was also submitted to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Ampati, reiterating the urgent need for swift and fair judicial proceedings in response to the abhorrent crime.
Last month, the Meghalaya police, in collaboration with its Assam counterpart, had arrested the ninth suspect from Hatsingimari, Assam, in connection with the rape involving minors.
The main accused was apprehended earlier from Teporpara Bazaar, Assam, on April 27.
Furthermore, three youths, aged between 22 to 25, were arrested from South Salmara district of Assam bordering South West Garo Hills on April 26.
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Post the arrests, the Superintendent of Police South Garo Hills, Vikash Kumar had issued a statement, highlighting the ongoing investigation and the collection of incriminating evidence.
He informed that the police seized seven mobile phones from the arrested individuals, analysing the data accurately for further leads.
Additionally, two cognizable cases have also been registered in connection with extortion and theft during the investigation process.
Kumar urged citizens to come forward with any information related to the cases, assuring anonymity to informants.
On April 16, around 9:30 pm, a gang of nearly 10 individuals reportedly sexually assaulted two minor girls and physically assaulted their male friends near the Chenga Benga Mela in South Garo Hills.
One girl was rendered unconscious by the beating and couldn’t ascertain the number of assailants, while the conscious victim reported multiple perpetrators.
