One arrested after attempt to rape minor girl

KOHIMA, JUNE 15 : In a delayed report received here, a retired government servant and a resident of Upper Agri Colony Kohima, one Dilip Pradhan, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a three-and-half year-old minor girl in Kohima. The shocking incident reportedly happened on May31 last. The Upper Agri Women Society (UAWS) on Wednesday vehemently denounced the outrageous act of the culprit, asserting that such “mala fide intent” does not have a place in a civilized society. According to the organization, on May 31 evening at around 4.30 pm, Dilip Pradhan lured the minor girl to his room when she was alone and allegedly attempted to rape her. The what-was-to-be-an-atrocious act was said to have been intervened by the minor’s mother who returned just on time from a nearby shop. The incident was immediately reported to the police and the culprit was reportedly arrested and is currently under judicial custody. It was learnt that the UAWS had written to the Deputy Commissioner Kohima to book the alleged accused under Protection of Children against Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act 2015 for the gross violation of child rights, misusing his authority as an elderly person and “scarring the victim and her family for life”. Maintaining that the accused is a menace and a threat to the society, the organization strongly appealed to the authority concerned not to grant him bail. In the event of bailing him out, the UAWS cautioned that it shall not be held responsible for any untoward incident against the accused. “Our children deserve to grow in a society without fear, and our women, with dignity. So it is our earnest appeal to all right thinking citizens to condemn this act fervently, and to the law enforcing agencies to dispense with speedy justice,” the organization’s release stated. “It is even more shocking that the shameful act was committed to a minor by a person old enough to be a grandfather,” it added. While offering its “unflinching support” to the victim and her family, the UAWS hoped that such incidents that damage the society are done away with for good. The release issued by UAWS president Achü M Dzüvichü and general secretary Shetoli Tungoe.