Govt to ensure law takes its own course in rape case filed against NPP MLA: CM

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 3, 2021

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said the law will take its own course with regards to the alleged sexual assault case filed against his chief adviser Thomas Sangma, who is also the sitting legislator of North Tura.

When sought for his comment on the incident, Conrad Sangma told reporters that since the case is of a very personal matter, he doesn’t feel it appropriate for the government to respond as it is something that has happened at an individual level.  

The Chief Minister however assured that the government would ensure that law takes its own course with regards to the case.

“As a government, the only thing that we can ensure and assure is that law will take its own course. We will ensure there is proper investigation that takes place, we will ensure that truth comes out with proper investigation and that there is no influence or no pressure from anywhere to in any way affect the investigation process…that is the only thing that the government can say from its side,” he stated.

Two days ago, an FIR was filed by a woman with the East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police against Thomas Sangma, who is also the general secretary of the ruling National People’s Party – for allegedly sexually assaulting since January last year.

A case was registered and investigation has already started, according to the SP Sylvester Nongtnger.

The Chief Minister however said if it had happened to somebody else it would not have come out in this manner in the media.

“…but the person happens to be a political leader but nonetheless still an individual and a citizen and therefore, with that in mind it is at the individual level, so whatever it is, the government has no comments on individual matters related to individual people,” he said.  

The Congress leader and Chairperson of the Assembly Committee for Empowerment of Women Ampareen Lyngdoh had demanded the Assembly Speaker to remove the North Tura as members of the different House committees.

Asked if the government will take action by removing him as the chief adviser to the CM, Conrad Sangma however said it would not be fair to just jump to conclusion without any investigation being done.

He asserted the need to let investigation be done and only then necessary actions can be taken against the political leader concerned.

“It will be very unfair for us to simply jump into conclusion, it will be appropriate for us to ensure that we are fair to everybody that includes both the people concerned. Therefore, only a proper investigation and the facts once they come out will give light to the entire situation and then based on what investigation we can take necessary action and we will take action if that is the case,” the chief minister added.