Shillong: In a significant breakthrough, East Khasi Hills Police, in a swift joint operation with their Assam counterparts, have apprehended a 24-year-old man from Jorhat in connection with two disturbing incidents of alleged sexual assault on schoolgirls in Shillong. The arrest of Himan Gogoi on May 28 comes amidst widespread public outrage ignited by a viral video circulating online.
The investigation kicked off after a deeply unsettling video surfaced, depicting a masked individual lifting a schoolgirl’s skirt and photographing her in the Umsohsun area. The footage, captured on May 23 at approximately 6:35 am near the lane leading to YWCA, prompted an immediate First Information Report (FIR) at Lumdiengjri Police Station. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, underscoring the gravity of the allegations.
A second, equally distressing incident came to light, reportedly occurring near Dreamland in Police Bazar on May 19, between 7:15 am and 7:30 am. This separate case, involving another schoolgirl, led to a distinct FIR being filed at Sadar Police Station under Sections 7/8 of the POCSO Act. Both incidents have been accorded the status of ‘Special Report cases’, highlighting their sensitive and urgent nature.
Responding to the alarming incidents, a dedicated Special Investigation Team was constituted on May 26. Their diligent efforts bore fruit within days, as the accused, Himan Gogoi, was successfully traced to Bamkukurachua village under Teok Police Station in Assam. During his apprehension, authorities confiscated his mobile phone and other crucial evidence. Gogoi is also reportedly under suspicion in another case registered under the BNS at Teok Police Station, further solidifying the police’s interest in him.
He is slated to be presented before a district court in Jorhat for transit remand, a procedural step before he is brought to Shillong. Once in Shillong, Gogoi will face further legal proceedings as the investigation continues to unearth the full extent of his alleged actions.
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