Dimapur lynching: IGP says rape probe ‘heading in right direction’
Facing flak over the lynching of a rape accused, Nagaland IGP Wabang Lotha on Sunday reiterated that the probe in the alleged rape was heading in the right direction.
“It is prima facie a case of rape. The woman has clearly said that in her FIR, and in her statements to the doctor and police, that she was raped. We have sent the medical reports for expert forensic opinion. The investigations are going on in the right direction,” Lotha said.
The Nagaland police is now pursuing two simultaneous investigations — the first in the alleged rape and the second in the lynching of the accused, Syed Sharif Khan.
Related
“When a woman comes with such a complaint, we presume that rape has been committed, and we proceed according to the set guidelines,” the IGP said.
Lotha said an SIT has been constituted and evidence has been collected. The evidence includes CCTV footage of a hotel where the girl alleged she was raped in the intervening night of February 23-24. The CCTV footage shows the rape accused entering the hotel, approaching the reception and coming out, followed by the girl entering with him. The girl said she was “intoxicated” and “under fear” when she accompanied the accused.
Meanwhile, 14 more persons were arrested in the lynching case on Sunday, taking the tally to 22. “We have arrested one of the ring leaders who was behind instigating the mob to storm the central jail. Their interrogation is on,” Lotha said.
Police said they used social media to nab some of the suspects. “We have identified most of the people arrested on the basis of visuals and media clippings,” the IGP said.
Source:: Indian Express