Shillong: Meghalaya Police have stepped up efforts to trace the accused in a rape case registered at Laitumkhrah Police Station, issuing lookout notices across the country while also probing claims that there could be more victims.
Addressing reporters on Sunday, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said police initially issued a lookout notice in Mizoram before expanding it to all states. A special team has also been constituted to trace and arrest the accused.
“With regard to the rape case registered at Laitumkhrah Police Station, we have sent a lookout notice to Mizoram and now to the whole country. A team has been set up to trace the accused,” Syiem said.
The SP said the complainant’s statement has already been recorded and that, during the investigation, police learnt there may be additional victims.
“The victim’s statement has been recorded, and we have come to know that there may be other victims. They will also be examined in due course,” he said.
Syiem added that, while police have spoken to some alleged victims over the phone, they have been asked to appear before investigators to record their statements and lodge formal FIRs.
“We have spoken to some more victims, but only over the phone. They have now been asked to come forward and give their statements and file FIRs, which they are yet to do,” he said.
On social media claims suggesting there are eight victims in the case, the SP cautioned against treating such posts as confirmed information.
“The social media claim that there are eight victims is not a fact at this stage. We are yet to verify it. Unless people come forward, give their statements and we examine them, we cannot confirm that they are victims,” he said.
Refuting speculation that the accused had fled to Aizawl, Syiem said Meghalaya Police had been coordinating closely with Mizoram Police since the accused allegedly went absconding.
“I have been in touch with the SP of Aizawl. The Aizawl Police searched the accused’s residence, but he was not there. He has not gone to Aizawl,” he said.
The SP said the immediate priority of the investigation is to arrest the accused, adding that the charge sheet will be filed once he is apprehended and further evidence is gathered.
“Our immediate action is to catch the accused. Once he is arrested and more facts come to light, we will file the charge sheet as soon as possible,” Syiem said.
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