WJH police files charge sheet against 17 persons in sex racket case

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 3, 2020

JOWAI: West Jaintia Hills police has filed chargesheet against 17 accused persons for allegedly involving in a child trafficking racket, which was earlier busted in the district.

The crackdown on the sex racket in June, last year had led to the rescuing of as many as 24 girls which include 9 minors.

District police chief Lakador Syiem told reporters on Friday that a special investigation team has completed the process of chargesheeting 17 persons within three months.

“We have submitted the chargesheet and now the case is under trial,” Syiem informed.

The SP also said some of the accused persons were also granted bail by the court. “However, I am sure that the court will expedite the trial at the earliest,” he added.

Asked, Syiem informed that all the victims have been rehabilitated and they are back with their families.

Four women were also arrested in the case. They have been identified Dapynbiang Sten (26) from Kyrwen village, Riwandakaru Dann (22) from Ladthadlaboh Jowai, one 18 years old from Sohkymphor village and Sanwaki Dkhar (28) from Khliehiongriang Jowai.

Also Read: A fireman among the arrested accused involved in WJH sex racket

The other arrested persons include Lemi Ryngkhlem (20), Elison Dkhar (20), Emryngkatmitre Dkhar (20) and Prosperity Talang (22), who are all from Demthring village, Khrolan Nongrum (41), a fireman posted in Fire and Emergency Services Station, Jowai and Lekipaia Phawa (31). These accused persons are also involved in raping the victims.

Meanwhile, the SP said that the department has also decided to strengthen the anti-human trafficking unit (AHTU) in order to prevent such crimes.

Informing that more than 9 missing cases have been reported with the unit, the SP however said that none of them were related to trafficking. According to him, the unit is taking every missing case especially of minor girls very seriously.