Chakma groups demand fair probe into minor girl’s death in Roing

Roing: Several Chakma organisations, including the All India Chakma Students’ Union (AICSU), Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students’ Union (APCSU), Mahila Samiti (Chakma Welfare Society), and local youth bodies, on Tuesday organised a candlelight march in Diyun, demanding justice and a fair, transparent, and time-bound investigation into the death of a 15-year-old minor girl from Diyun Circle, whose body was found in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley district.

According to the organisations, the minor girl was found dead on December 11, 2025, at the residence of a couple in Roing, where she had reportedly been working as a domestic helper.

While the police have so far described the incident as a case of suicide, Chakma organisations have expressed serious doubts over the suicide theory, alleging that the circumstances surrounding the death are highly suspicious and warrant a comprehensive and independent investigation.

Addressing the gathering, leaders of AICSU and APCSU stated that the victim’s family and the wider community are not convinced by the preliminary police findings. They demanded that all possible angles—including mental harassment, exploitation, abetment to suicide, rape, or other cognisable offences—be thoroughly examined in accordance with the law, without bias or external influence.

The organisations stressed that since the deceased was a minor, the investigation must strictly comply with child-protection laws, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, wherever applicable.

They further called for complete transparency in the post-mortem and forensic reports and strict adherence to due legal procedures at every stage of the investigation.

Among the key demands raised during the protest were the initiation of a fair, impartial, and time-bound investigation, close monitoring of the case by senior police officers, and protection of the victim’s family from any form of pressure, coercion, or intimidation. The organisations also sought periodic public disclosure of the progress of the investigation, within the limits of the law, and insisted that the case be investigated under the POCSO Act, given that the deceased was a minor and there may be elements of sexual abuse or rape involved.

The Chakma organisations and residents of Diyun Circle warned that any failure by the authorities to ensure justice in the case would compel them to intensify their agitation through peaceful and democratic means across the circle and the district.

The candlelight march concluded peacefully, with participants reiterating that the protest was solely aimed at securing justice for a minor girl and upholding the rule of law.

As of the time of filing this report, police authorities had not issued any detailed response or assurance regarding the demands raised. The protestors have sought clear clarification and accountability from the concerned authorities.

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