Taking serious note of the alleged molestation and sexual assault of minors by the warden of Sanggo Residential School in Mebo, East Siang Police have made two additional arrests — the school’s principal and its accountant.
The arrests were made on Wednesday evening, following the earlier arrest of the warden, Hen Johnson Vaiphei, on October 29.
The principal, Th. Hoinu Vaiphei (56), and accountant Niangdoiting Vaiphei, both residents of Churachandpur District in Manipur, were taken into custody for allegedly concealing incidents of molestation at the school.
According to Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, preliminary investigations revealed that the two had prior knowledge of similar incidents but failed to report them, thereby enabling the abuse to continue.
The case came to light on October 29 when a parent filed a complaint at Mebo Police Station, alleging molestation and sexual assault by the school’s warden on her child and three other minors.
Considering the gravity of the allegations, the case was transferred to the Women Police Station (WPS), Pasighat, where an FIR was registered under Sections 4(2) and 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012. The accused warden was arrested and remanded to judicial custody by the Special Judge (POCSO).
As more victims and parents came forward, additional charges under Section 21(2) of the POCSO Act, 2012, and Sections 61(2)(a)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, were added.
Given the sensitivity of the case, the East Siang Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by SDPO Pasighat Dr. Akanksha Milind Tamgadge, IPS, with members including OC WPS, OC Mebo, and the investigating officer.
Meanwhile, a Special Medical Board has been formed at Bakin Pertin General Hospital (BPGH), Pasighat, to examine and provide care for the victims.
SP Lamba confirmed that 22 victims have been medically examined so far. The investigating team has also visited the school, collected records and admission registers, and seized mobile phones and other materials for forensic analysis.
In response to the developments, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mebo issued an order on October 30 directing the immediate closure of Sanggo Residential School until further notice.
All school staff have been instructed to remain within Mebo Sub-Division and are prohibited from leaving without written permission from the investigating officer.
SP Lamba stated that the investigation is ongoing, with statements of victims and parents being recorded in a child-friendly and sensitive manner in coordination with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and One Stop Centre (OSC), Pasighat.
He emphasised that all efforts are being made to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to legal protocols under the POCSO Act.
“The East Siang Police are committed to ensuring that the privacy, dignity, and best interests of all children are upheld,” Lamba said. “All necessary legal, medical, and welfare measures are being taken to ensure justice and protection for the victims.”
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