In a rare turn of events, the mother and grandmother of a minor rape victim have been arrested following a mob violence against the alleged culprit.
In Thoubal district, a seven-year-old minor was reportedly raped by a neighbour sending the locality, including victim’s family members, in a frenzy that led to the burning of properties of the culprit on December 22.
According to a report from the spot, a Maruti 800 and household items of accused Asem Konungjao (41), son of (Late) Tomba, were set ablaze by an outraged mob. Following the incident, the Khongjom Police Station took up FIR under section 436 IPC against the mob and arrested four persons including the victim's mother and grandmother.
It was highlighted when the Women Action for Development (WAD) and media team visited the victim’s family for fact finding. According to the locality, the rape incident occurred two months ago when the minor was watching TV along with her friend in the house of the accused.
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The accused threatened the minor not to tell anyone, threatening her with a sword. The incident came to light when the minor girl uttered some suspicious words and was asked about what happened. The family of the minor filed a complaint to Khongjom PS immediately following which the police apprehended the accused on December 17 under POCSO and remanded him to judicial custody.
Meanwhile, irate locals and families set ablaze Maruti 800 and the household items of the accused in the courtyard of his house. On hearing the news, a combined team of Khongjom Police, Thoubal Commando, and Fire Service rushed to the spot, doused the fire, and controlled the situation.
The police then registered FIR against 10 people for mob violence and destroying the properties under section 143/147/453/427/436 IPC.
The WAD team led by secretary Sobita Mangsatabam interacted with the OC of Khongjom PS.
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