In the wake of a disturbing case of alleged abduction and molestation of a young woman on June 15 in a moving auto-rickshaw, the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has submitted a strongly worded representation to the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, demanding swift and decisive action.
Calling the incident a grave threat to women’s safety, the organization has issued a two-week deadline for the investigation to be completed, warning that failure to act within the timeframe will compel them to seek alternative forms of redress.
The Chakhesang organization has expressed deep concern over what it sees as a growing trend of crimes against women in the state.
In its representation, CYF cited statements from the victim, who alleged that the driver diverted from the agreed route at 4th Mile Junction towards Shouba without her consent or any prior communication.
“It has been made clear by the victim that the accused driver allegedly took the turn from 4th Mile Junction towards Shouba without asking or informing the victim, who does not know the roads,” it stated.
The co-passenger, who was reportedly involved in the alleged assault, also did not inform her of the deviation.
The representation further noted that there was no conversation between the driver and the co-passenger in the victim’s presence, asserting that this clearly constitutes a case of abduction and kidnapping.
“It has also been made clear by the victim that the co-passenger never informed her of the diversion, and that no conversation between the driver and the co-passenger occurred in her presence, showing that this is a clear case of abduction and kidnapping,” it stated.
CYF contends that this points to a premeditated act between the driver and the co-passenger prior to the victim being picked up.
It has demanded that the case be registered not only under molestation and sexual assault charges, but also under sections relating to abduction, kidnapping, assault causing physical injury, and attempted rape and murder.
“It was pre-planned between the two accused before the victim was picked up. We demand that the driver be tried for being complicit in the crime. We also demand that the case be treated as abduction and kidnapping, besides molestation, sexual assault, assault that caused physical injury, and attempt to rape and murder,” it emphasized.
The Chakhesang youth body has further demanded an immediate ossification test of the accused co-passenger, who is reportedly a 17-year-old male. Citing provisions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, CYF has urged that the accused be tried as an adult if medical tests confirm he is over 16 years of age, arguing that the nature and gravity of the crime warrant such action.
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