DIMAPUR, JUN 5 (NPN): Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union (DENSU) has submitted a memorandum to the director general of police, Nagaland, seeking a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl at Lengrijan, Dimapur.
In the memorandum, DENSU president and general secretary condemned and expressed deep concern over the case and said it had caused widespread concern among students, parents and the public. It maintained that every minor victim deserved justice, dignity, protection and a fair opportunity to be heard without fear or intimidation.
To maintain public confidence in the rule of law, the union demanded a thorough investigation into the source, ownership, possession and legality of a firearm reportedly connected with the case and sought appropriate legal action against all persons found responsible.
Further, it called for examination of all persons having direct or indirect knowledge of the incident, including those alleged to have made statements or engaged in conduct that may have harmed the reputation, dignity or interests of the minor victim.
The union demanded that any person found to have aided, facilitated, concealed, abetted or attempted to suppress the commission of the offence or the subsequent investigation be investigated and proceeded against in accordance with law.
It also sought that all accused persons connected with the case, including any accused who may still be absconding or not yet apprehended, be brought within the ambit of the investigation and subjected to due legal process.
DENSU further demanded that the prosecution vigorously oppose any bail application that may prejudice the investigation, influence witnesses or adversely affect the interests of justice, particularly considering the nature of the allegations involving a minor child.
It also demanded constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure an independent, transparent and comprehensive investigation.
It further sought that the probe be supervised by an officer not below the rank of deputy inspector general of police (DIG) and monitored by DGP Rupin Sharma.
The union also called for adequate protection and support for the victim and her family, including protection from threats, intimidation, coercion, harassment or undue influence from any quarter. It demanded strict confidentiality of the victim’s identity in accordance with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and other applicable laws.
Further, DENSU urged that any attempt to interfere with, influence, obstruct or derail the investigation be dealt with firmly in accordance with law and that the investigation be completed on a priority basis so that justice was neither delayed nor denied.
DENSU said offences against children strike at the very foundation of a civilised society and cautioned that any delay, negligence or compromise in such matters would not only affect the victim and the family but also erode public confidence in the justice delivery system. The union urged police to take all necessary measures to ensure that the truth was established and justice delivered without fear, favour or prejudice.
It also expressed confidence that the police would act decisively in safeguarding the rights, dignity and welfare of the minor victim and in upholding the rule of law.