Kohima: An alleged sexual assault case involving a minor girl in Dimapur has triggered widespread outrage across Nagaland, prompting demands for a fast-tracked investigation, stricter legal action and stronger safeguards for children.
The case came under public scrutiny after allegations surfaced that a minor girl had been sexually assaulted over a prolonged period and was reported to the Childline. Following the registration of the case, the prime accused, Watimeren Jamir alias (43), sought anticipatory bail. However, a local court later cancelled the bail, following which police arrested him and secured his remand to police custody for further investigation.
As the investigation progressed, police arrested a second accused, Tsuktimongba Ao (37). Both accused have been booked under Sections 64(2)(f)(i)(m), 65(1), 71 and 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which relate to aggravated rape, repeated sexual assault, offences against a minor below 16 years of age, assault on a woman, and aggravated penetrative sexual assault of a child.
The arrests triggered strong reactions from civil society organisations and student bodies. On June 2, the Dimapur Eastern Naga Students’ Union (DENSU) demanded the immediate constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an officer of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) or Inspector General (IG) rank and sought direct monitoring of the case by the Director General of Police (DGP).
Addressing the media, DENSU president Thongule Sangtam alleged procedural lapses in the handling of the case and called for the arrest of a third suspect. He also warned of public protests if the prime accused is granted bail on medical grounds.
DENSU general secretary Sharen Shiu further demanded an investigation into the role of the accused’s mother, alleging that the victim had remained in the same residence where the abuse allegedly occurred and claiming that attempts had been made to defame the minor.
The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) extended support to DENSU’s demands and called for the inclusion of additional charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, citing allegations that a firearm was used to threaten the victim.
The case also drew condemnation from Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak, who described the alleged assault as “heinous and inhuman”. She said she had spoken with the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, regarding the investigation and urged society to work collectively to protect children.
Several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and tribal bodies condemned the incident.