A 52-year-old man, identified as one Tama Ngullie, was taken into custody by Wokha Police on charges of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl multiple times. The crime came to light on February 3, when the accused allegedly committed the offense again. Following this, the victim’s family lodged FIR with Sungro Police Station.
Sources revealed that Tama is employed as a peon at a government school, where the victim had recently enrolled. The victim is reportedly under the care of the Women Police Station, undergoing medical treatment.
Additional SP Wokha Vitoshe K Sumi said that based on the FIR, the accused was apprehended and was in police custody. As per legal formalities, the case has been registered, and investigation was underway.
The accused has been booked under BNS 64/65(1) R/W Section 4 of the POCSO Act, 2012.
The case has drawn strong condemnation from various civil society organisations. They have called for strict legal action against the accused.
LEH: The Lotha Eloe Hoho (LEH) has expressed shock, disappointment, and outrage over the horrific crime of allegedly raping a minor girl by one Tama Ngullie from Pangti village. Stating that the despicable act was not only a grave crime against the victim, LEH president Thungbeni Ngullie and general secretary Wonchibeni Patton said that the act has also stained the dignity of society.
Pointing out that such inhuman and barbaric act has no place in a civilized society, LEH urged law enforcement authorities to ensure that the perpetrator is punished to the fullest extent of the law, serving as a deterrent against such crimes.
LEH also called upon all to uphold moral values and discipline, expressing concern over the rising violence against women and children. It warned that those found guilty of such crimes would not only face legal consequences but also strict social and customary measures.
Commending the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and Women Police, LEH appreciated their swift and decisive action in apprehending the accused, reaffirming the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals.
LSU: Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) through its president Lirhonthung E. Kithan and education & statistical secretary Nyanthung M. Khuvung expressed outrage over the incident, which it described was “absolutely unacceptable”, demanded that the perpetrator must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
LSU said it was “deeply disturbed” that this was not an isolated incident. “Reports from the victim’s family have confirmed that Mr. Tama has a history of such behavior, making this a clear case of serial predation. This is absolutely unacceptable and demands severe consequences,” LSU said.
The union stated that the accused’s “egregious act” constituted a gross violation of human rights and dignity, particularly those of minors who were entitled to protection and care.
LSU demanded that the accused be immediately terminated from his service and prosecuted under the relevant section of the POCSO Act. The union hoped that the authorities would take swift and decisive action to ensure that justice is served. “Anything less would be a gross miscarriage of justice and a failure to protect the rights and safety of students,” LSU stated.
Meanwhile, LSU commended the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and Women police for their prompt and timely intervention to bring the perpetrator into custody.
LSU affirmed to stand in solidarity with the victim and their family demanding justice.
The union said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to ensure that the rights of the victim and their family were protected. LSU vowed to advocate for the rights and safety of students ensuring that such incidents were prevented in future and hold accountable anyone who failed to act.
PVSU: Pangti Village Students’ Union (PVSU) through its president Emiro Shitiri and general secretary Mhabeni Shitiri also strongly condemned incident, which it termed as “barbaric and devilish”.
Expressing grave concern over the incident, the union called upon the investigating agency to leave no stone unturned in the investigation so justice was delivered. PVSU also expressed solidarity with the victim, who is undergoing mental and physical trauma inflicted by the perpetrator.
“Crimes, especially rape dehumanize societies and letting the perpetrators of such crimes go unpunished is a threat to the society,” PVSU stated. It stated that the perverted mindset of the perpetrator must be condemned by all.