4 minor girls allegedly abducted and sexually abused by 12 men in Meghalaya: Police

Four minor girls from the southwestern Khasi Hills (SWKH) district of Meghalaya were allegedly kidnapped and raped by 12 men from a neighboring village, police said on Wednesday.

The incident was reported by the Khasi Hills Zone (KHZ) unit of Garo Students’ Union (GSU) and the SWKH unit of AHAM (A.chik Holistic Awakening Movement) in a press release on Tuesday, condemning the incident and demanding immediate action.

Four minors aged between 13 and 14 were called to a nearby village by friends who later abducted them to a nearby jungle and allegedly raped them there, the statement said.

The incident occurred on Friday around 7 p.m., after which the underage girls were considered missing.

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The minors were found on Sunday after a frantic search by their family members, following which an FIR (First Information Report) was registered.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous and despicable gang rape of four minor girls that took place recently within the jurisdiction of Nonghyllam police station in SWKH. This reprehensible act has no place in our society and it is with deep sadness and outrage that we express our solidarity with the victims and their families at this immensely difficult time,” the two groups added in the statement.

“The perpetrators must be brought to justice without delay to ensure the safety and dignity of all members of our community. It is imperative that the authorities treat this case with the utmost seriousness and efficiency. We call on the police to spare no stone unturned in their investigations and to use all available resources to ensure that justice is done. The swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators is crucial to restore confidence in our justice system and send a clear message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated,” the NGOs said.

DG Kharwanlang, SWKH police commissioner, said the case was under investigation.

“There are several versions and my officers are examining each one to establish the facts. However, no arrests have been made so far,” he said.

“The medical examination has taken place and the report is awaited,” he added.