Crime against women on the rise in Sangma's home constituency

FROM OUR STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Aug 28: South West Garo Hills-the home turf of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had reported three cases of violence against women in the past few months, even as the scent district level Coordition Committee on Crime against Women asked the authorities concern to hasten steps in addressing the issue.

This directive was made on Friday during the first review committee meeting since the formation in June this year. It may be mentioned that a district level committee was constituted in all the four newly create districts of the State in the month of June.

During the meeting the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) and the police presented their reports on cases pertaining to crimes against women. It was informed that three cases of crime against women, including sexual molestation and domestic violence, have been brought to the notice of DSWO although there may be many more unreported cases.

It was also said that the delay in certain cases was due to the fact that they have to be referred to the District Council court and as a result concerned departments are uble to submit timely reports. Expressing serious concern over the number of pending cases of crimes against women and children, the Deputy Commissioner & Chairman of the Committee, Ram Singh urged upon the district police to speed up investigation process into the pending cases so that the victims are not subjected to undue harassment by neighbours or threats by perpetrators.