JAC calls for justice in student molestation case
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, May 18 2024: A Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed against molestation and attempted rape of a BA student from Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Maram, imposed a lightning bandh along NH-2, demanding justice for the victim and urging the authorities to take necessary legal action.

In a shocking incident, a BA 6th-semester student belonging to Mao community, studying at Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Maram, was sexually assaulted, and harassed by a middle-aged man identified as Kangba Moses, a resident of Maram Khullakpa Sagei but presently residing in Maram Ramlong village, near the vicinity of DBC, Maram.

The victim was assaulted just a few metres away from the college premises.

The culprit is reportedly still absconding.

In protest against the inaction of the authorities, the JAC, in coordination with senior leaders and youths, initiated a lightning bandh along NH-2, demanding justice for the victim.

The victim, who is preparing for her 6th semester exam, was attacked at around 7 pm on Friday.

After the barging into her room, the culprit locked the door from inside, and molested her.

When she attempted to shout and resist, the culprit used his hand to gag her.

After several attempts, she managed to break free from the grasp of the assailant and cried for help, prompting neighbours and the house owner to come to her rescue.

The JAC, while condemning the act, described it as an attempted rape and murder.

They questioned how such an incident could occur at one of the district's most reputable educational institutions.

The complacency and inaction of the college authority and civil society organisations in the area prompted the victim's relatives and villagers to form a JAC.

The JAC imposed a lightning blockade along NH-2 starting from 4:30 pm on Saturday, demanding that the culprit be handed over to them.

A rally was also organised by the JAC, with slogans demanding the culprit's arrest and justice for the victim.

District police have rushed to the spot to assess the situation, and no untoward incidents have been reported till the time of filing this report.

An FIR has been registered at Senapati Women's Police Station in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, Don Bosco College (Autonomous), Maram has issued a statement in condemnation of the heinous act, stating that all should condemn such acts.

Various student associations including Mao Students' Union, Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me, Mao Students' Union Senapati, and Senapati District Students' Association have also condemned the molestation.

In a statement, Maram Students' Union (MKS) strongly condemned the attempted rape of the student while terming the incident as a gross violation of human rights and community values.

MKS also expressed its unwavering solidarity with the victim and her family, and asserted that such reprehensible actions have no place in society and called for swift and decisive justice.

The union furthermore issued a strict ultimatum to law enforcement agencies and administrative authorities to apprehend and prosecute the culprit within the next 48 hours.

Failure to do so will result in strong agitation and protests to demand justice, it cautioned.

It also emphasised commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of all community members and urged authorities to act promptly to restore faith in the justice system and prevent future occurrences of such acts.

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