Shillong: In a major breakthrough, East Khasi Hills police have arrested a 24-year-old man from Jorhat, Assam, for two separate sexual assaults on schoolgirls in Shillong—crimes that came to light after a disturbing video went viral last week.
The clip, which began circulating on 24 May 2025, showed a masked assailant lifting a schoolgirl’s apparel and photographing her with a mobile phone. Public outrage over the footage prompted police to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on 26 May, led by Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations) Ivan B. Diengdoh, MPS.
First incident traced within 48 hours
Using visual cues from the video, the SIT quickly located the crime scene: a lane leading to the YWCA at Umsohsun. Investigators established that the assault had occurred on 23 May at roughly 6:35 a.m. The victim was identified—her statement recorded and her well-being ensured—after which Lumdiengjri Police registered FIR No. 55(05)2025 under Sections 76/79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 11/12 of the POCSO Act.
Second assault uncovered
During the probe, detectives discovered a second, earlier assault: on 19 May, between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m., a schoolgirl had been molested on the steps near Dreamland in Police Bazar. Sadar Police registered FIR No. 140(05)2025 under Sections 7/8 of the POCSO Act. Given their gravity, both cases were classified as Special Report cases.
Within three days, the SIT identified the suspect as Himan Gogoi (24) of Jorhat district. Early on 28 May, WPSI Lavinia Kongwang led a Shillong team to Assam, where, in coordination with Lahdoigarh Outpost (Teok Police Station), they arrested Gogoi at a relative’s home in Bamkukurachua village.
Police seized the mobile phone used in the assaults along with other incriminating evidence. Officers also confirmed that Gogoi is wanted in another case (Teok PS Case No. 43(03)2025, under Sections 329(3)/79, BNS).
Gogoi will be produced before the Jorhat District Court for a transit remand, after which he will be brought to Shillong for further proceedings.
Law-enforcement officials have assured the public that every step is being taken to secure justice for the victims and to deter similar crimes.
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