Mass protest “Stop Rape” in Assam and Meghalaya: Chenga Benga Gang rape accused still roaming free

The two victims were later discovered unconscious by local residents and rushed to the Tura Hospital in Meghalaya for medical treatment

Digital Desk: On April 16th, a shocking incident of gang rape took place on the border between the Indian states of Assam and Meghalaya during Chenga Benga Mela. According to reports, a group of approximately 25 young men brutally raped two minor girls from the Koch community in the Mankachar area.

The two victims were later discovered unconscious by local residents and rushed to the Tura Hospital in Meghalaya for medical treatment. The horrific nature of the crime has sparked outrage across the region.

Meghalaya's Garowada police have already arrested 8 to 9 members of the alleged gang rape accused and sent them to jail in connection with the incident while others roam free. 

In response to the heinous crime, 4,000 to 5,000 women from the Koch and Hajong communities in Assam and Meghalaya held a silent protest, marching from Hasura in Meghalaya to the Ampati district commissioner's office while carrying banners.

Following a series of arrests in the Chenga Benga Mela rape case, one individual was apprehended from a bus in Rajabala, West Garo Hills, while en route to Guwahati; another was captured at Teporpara on the Assam-Meghalaya border; and two more were taken into custody by the Assam police in Hatsingimari, South Salmara, Assam.

In a statement released by SP Vikash Kumar on Sunday, it was revealed that a case involving abduction, criminal intimidation, assault, and gang rape of minors at Chenga Benga Mela on April 16 has been registered as a cognisable offence under Ampati Women PS Case No 09(04)2024, citing sections 376D/323/341/506/34 IPC along with Section 5(g)/6 of the POCSO Act. Nine suspects have been arrested so far based on incriminating evidence collected at the crime scene, survivor statements, medical reports, and other corroborating evidence. All apprehended individuals hail from Teporpara village near the crime scene, with the arrests facilitated by the South Salmara district police. Additionally, seven mobile phones were seized from the suspects, and their data was meticulously analysed by the authorities.

Further investigations revealed instances where the perpetrators had stolen a mobile phone and extorted money from individuals, leading to the registration of two additional cases under Ampati PS Case No. 36(04)2024 u/s 392/323/506/34 IPC and Ampati PS Case No. 34(04)2024 u/s 341/395/384/506 IPC.

SP Vikash Kumar previously emphasised that ongoing investigations are progressing, with efforts to apprehend all remaining suspects underway. The public is urged to share any information they may have regarding the criminals involved in these cases with the local police to ensure the confidentiality of their identities.

Despite assurances, reportedly, authorities have failed to secure justice for the minor girls so far, the protesters say. The protesters seek justice for the victims.