Dy CM calls for collective efforts to eliminate crimes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 09 2016: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today urged the people of the State to jointly work and construct a society free of heinous crimes.

Inaugurating the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Programme on "Investigation of Rape : A Multi-Disciplinary Approach" organised by the Department of Forensic Medicine, JNIMS at JNIMS auditorium, the Deputy Chief Minister said, "Crimes against women are continuing everyday.

Of all the crimes against women, rape is the most heinous one.

About 280-300 cases of sexual assault victims are said to be examined by the Department of Forensic Medicine JNIMS and RIMS every year.

The victims are mostly children" .

He further said, "Due to these crimes, it has become impossible for women to live a secure life which in turn has hampered growth and development in the State.

If these issues are not resolved, it will pose serious consequences for future generations.

Therefore, let us fight together to eliminate these evils from our society" .

Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Pangei, needs to be upgraded with advanced technology like Brain Mapping, Narco-Analysis, DNA Profiling and Polygraph so that increasing crime rate in the State can be effectively dealt with.

Police need a refresher course on basic forensic medicine knowledge and the Police Department will work towards taking up a joint venture to improve medico-legal services, the Deputy Chief Minister added.

"The State Government will put in best effort to build a new mortuary complex in JNIMS in order to better cater to medico-legal.

In order to solve the crimes, collective efforts by doctors especially forensic experts, police, FSL and Judiciary is the need of the hour.

Seminars and workshops on rights of women and measures to prevent the crimes should be organised extensively," he observed.

DIG IK Muivah also spoke on "Issues in the Investigation of Sexual Assault cases." He stated that delay in reporting sexual assault cases to police leads to loss of many incriminating evidences that can be collected from the crime scene.

Also, there is a lack of adequate cooperation from victims and family along with the witnesses due to lengthy procedure of law and Courts.

Therefore, victims' family members usually compromise the matter with financial compensation.

"Victims and witnesses should be supported, empathised and counselled apart from providing financial and legal guidance so that a victim is convinced and encouraged to seek legal help until justice is delivered," he said.

DIG IK Muivah also pointed out that a major cause for delay in filing a chargesheet is the late arrival of FSL reports which are all sent to Kolkata.

There is urgent need to fully develop and upgrade FSL, Pangei in order to increase speedy convictions in Court.

In the State, 69 cases of rape were charge sheeted in 2014, 81 cases in 2015 and 54 cases in 2016.However, only two were convicted of rape in 2014, 3 cases in 2015 and 3 cases in 2016. There is a need for concerted efforts from police, Forensics Department, Courts and people through NGOs so that justice is delivered at the earliest.

Dr Gangmei Angam, Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, JNIMS also spoke on "Incidence of sexual assault cases in Imphal", Prof TD Dogra, Pro VC, SGT College of Medical Sceinces, Gurgaon spoke on "Comprehensive approach in sexual assault cases".

The programme was also attended by JNIMS Director Prof Deben Laishram.

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