Itanagar: A police constable has been arrested here for allegedly molesting a young woman near the Itanagar police station, a senior police officer said on Friday.
The alleged accused, identified as constable Nyenwang Wangsu, was taken into custody following a formal complaint lodged by the victim at the Itanagar Women Police Station (WPS).
Subsequently, a case (No. 61/2024) was registered as Itanagar WPS under Sections 74/75/78 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The appalling incident occurred when the victim had visited the Itanagar Police Station late at night to charge her phone. Despite repeated offers by the duty officer to drop her home safely, she declined. Shortly after leaving the police station, the accused followed her to a poorly lit area a few hundred meters from the station and molested her.
The incident came to light on Thursday after the Social Media Cell of Itanagar Police was alerted to a viral social media post, alleging that a girl had been molested by a police personnel near the police station. Reportedly, one of the woman’s friends posted the incident on WhatsApp and Facebook.
Taking suo moto cognizance of the incident, Itanagar PS Officer-in-Charge Inspector Khiksi Yangfo and WPS OC Inspector Rina Sonam promptly traced the victim and her parents. Initially, they were hesitant to register a formal complaint. However, after counseling by the officers, the victim agreed, and then the case was registered.
Itanagar SP Rohit Rajbir Singh, while expressing deep remorse over the incident, said, “The safety of women and children is the topmost priority of Capital Police. The accused has been arrested and will face swift legal action to set a strong precedent. Such conduct will not be tolerated, and every effort will be made to ensure that no police personnel ever contemplates assaulting a woman.”
The SP further urged victims to come forward and report crimes. He assured that if individuals are hesitant to visit the police station, they can reach out to Capital Police through its social media platforms, emergency helpline 112, or the Pink PCR units.
The police will ensure prompt action and ease of reporting for all victims, he assured.