Kuzhovesa Soho
Phek Town | June 16
In an unexpected situation, the Additional Superintendent of Police of Phek and Police Officer in-Charge (OC) of Phek Police Station were reportedly manhandled and verbally assaulted by an unruly mob over a case of attempted rape committed by one 5th NAP man on April 27. Strangely, the said OC was again manhandled by a mob while on his way to investigate another case of attempted-rape allegedly committed by one Rudutso of Runguzu village on the evening of June 15.
Police have apprehended the man accused in the latter incident and is currently under investigation.
Phek Town Chakhesang Student’ Union’s President Zhoto Dzo and the Phek Town Youth Society’s President Neilhite Akami have condemned the successive physical and verbal assault of the police officers by the unruly mob. While denouncing the crimes of the accused, the youth leaders urged the public of the town to maintain cordial relations with the security personnel.
Expressing sympathy and regret over the unexpected incident meted out to OC on two occasions, the PTCSU and PTYS expressed solidarity with the pain of police officer and assured all cooperation with law and order agencies in the near future.
Meanwhile, following investigation by police late last night, it is learnt that the said Rudutso, a bachelor reportedly 38 years of age, was serving as ‘Chowkidar’ in the District Employment Office of Phek. The accused hails from Runguzumi village under Phek district and has confessed to attempting to rape a minor girl of 7 years at around 3.30.PM yesterday. Both the accused and the alleged victim resides in Jericho-I colony of Phek town. According to police sources, the accused was caught red-handed by the mother of the girl. Following the incident, more ‘1, 300’ people thronged the police station demanding that the accused be handed over to them. Following the unexpected situation in the town the Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, Phek Area Mothers’ Association, Phek Town Chakhesang Students’ Union, Phek Town Youth Society, Phek Town Public Welfare Committee and GBs’ Association of Jericho-I colony met today and submitted a memorandum to the government.
Chakhesang Mothers’ Association President Zaposhelu Venuh termed the act of the accused as ‘Satanic’ which has ‘tarnished the reputation of the entire womenfolk.’ She has urged the law-enforcing agencies to award befitting punishment on the accused.
