Guwahati: Suspected Rohingya Muslims are behind the gang rape incident that took place in South West Garo Hills (SWGH) in Assam- Meghalaya border on April 16. This was revealed by NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo who is in Garo Hills to investigate the heinous crime that jolted the region. After meeting the victim’s families NCPCR Chairperson Kanoongo said that Rohingya infiltrators could be behind the gang rape at Chenga Benga.
A team of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights led by Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo met the family members of the two minor girls, who were allegedly gang-raped by a group of men, at the annual Chenga Benga Mela in the South West Garo Hills (SWGH) district on April 16, 2024. It should be mentioned that one minor girl was gang raped by a group of over 20 criminals, and another girl was brutally molested by the gang. The incident took place at Gandhipara village near Garobadha in the South West Garo Hills district on April 16. The brutal incident was reported to police on April 18 by the parents of the victims. Two minor boys were also beaten up by the gang.
NCPCR Chairperson Kanoongo revealed that the gang brutally beat up the two minor boys accompanied by the victim girls and snatched away their mobile phones and money. One boy was tied in a tree for several hours and another was hit on his head and became unconscious and the suspected Rohingyas brutally raped the minor.
As per the report, four minor girls and boys went to visit the annual ‘Chenga Benga Mela’ in Gandhipara village in South West Garo Hill district of Meghalaya. The group of young boys and girls are from the nearby village. But on their way back home, a group of miscreants dragged them to an isolated place and gang-raped one girl and brutally molested another. Three separate FIRs had been lodged by the parents of the victims where it is mentioned that a group of over 20 Muslim miscreants raped and molested the minor girls.
Police sources confirmed that as per the medical report and statement of one minor victim, she was physically harassed and abused. The medical report and statement of the second girl confirmed that she was gang-raped by a group of Muslim miscreants. NCPCR Chairperson Kanoongo informed me that they will submit their report to both state and central governments and ensure that such heinous crimes do not occur in the future. NCPCR also would ensure that all the culprits are brought to justice. Meghalaya police have so far arrested 9 culprits based on evidence that was gathered during the investigation. Another 12 suspects are still at large and police are looking out for them.
