Shillong, Nov 11: The North East Network strongly condemns the rape of an 18-year-old girl by a public official, Mr. Vikash Gupta which he committed in Shillong late last week. As most are aware, Mr. Vikash Gupta holds the post of the Ward Commissioner of the Cantonment Area in Shillong. He is also the owner of Aptech Aviation and Hospitality Academy and Hotel Assembly in the city.
This case is a classic one of a man, in power, victimizing a young girl who comes from a marginalized socio-economic background. Such cases are never reported usually, and these women continue to be abused in the hands of sexual predators.Sexual impunity of people in power has long thrived in the State of Meghalaya.
The accused, in this case too, thought the girl would not report the case, threatening her that he had contacts with people in authority and he also asserted that nothing would happen to him. In a way to prove his point, he even sent her selfies of himself when he was brought to Sardar Police Station. Clearly, he displayed that normal procedures of arrest were not applied to him.
The NEW applaud and support the young girl and her family in breaking their silence and taking a stand to report the case. Now, it is for us, as a society to see if the rule of law and the tenets of justice will survive in our State; a State that proudly boasts of being a safe haven for women.
North East Network calls on the law enforcement agencies, the courts and all authorities to take speedy action against the accused and for justice to prevail so our women and children can rebuild their faith in the criminal justice system of our State. Said Joy Syiem Director of the North East Network – Meghalaya.
