Dimapur: Widespread outrage has erupted following the alleged molestation of a woman in a moving auto-rickshaw near Dimapur on June 15. The incident has reignited concerns over women’s safety in Nagaland, especially in the wake of other recent gender-based violence cases.
According to statements issued by the Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH), the victim, who had arrived at Dimapur Airport from Pune around 1:00 PM, boarded a passenger auto-rickshaw at 4th Mile with the intention of travelling to the Dimapur Taxi Stand en route to Kohima. However, instead of taking the intended route, the driver and a male passenger allegedly diverted the vehicle towards Niuland.
During the journey, the male co-passenger allegedly began molesting the woman, ignoring her repeated protests. The auto driver reportedly did nothing to intervene. In a desperate bid to escape further assault, the woman jumped out of the moving vehicle near Showuba, sustaining serious injuries.
Local bystanders who witnessed the incident rushed to her aid and immediately took her to the Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR) for medical treatment. The bystanders also apprehended both the driver and the male passenger, handing them over to the Showuba Police Outpost.
An FIR has since been registered at the Women Police Station in Dimapur.
The WCH, in its condemnation note, described the incident as “not just a criminal act but a grave violation of human dignity and women’s safety,” and demanded the strictest legal action against the perpetrators. “The judicial process must be expedited so that justice is not delayed, and a clear message is sent that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated,” the organisation stated.
Echoing the WCH’s concerns, the Western Thetsümi Women Welfare Society and the Western Thetsümi Welfare Union in a joint condemnation confirmed that the victim is a member of their community and urged the competent authorities to treat this matter with utmost sensitivity.
“We are deeply distressed by the incident and urge competent authorities for immediate intervention and take necessary legal action against the perpetrators and to treat this matter with urgency and sensitivity,” it stated.
The WCH said it will monitor the progress of this case closely and expects timely updates from the investigating authorities. It also urged the law enforcement agencies to demonstrate “zero tolerance” for violence against women and uphold the sanctity of justice without compromise.
“The dignity and safety of our women are non-negotiable. Let this serve as a stern warning to all anti-social elements: such acts of depravity will face the full force of the law, without leniency or delay,” the WCH asserted.
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