CSWO demands CBI inquiry into Victoria's death

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, July 8: The Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) has demanded a CBI inquiry into the death of Victoria Dayoun Kharkongor.

According to CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing, there were serious lapses which eventually led to the death of Victoria in the Dispur Police Station and said that the Assam Police are to be held responsible if there is a cover-up on such a serious crime against a woman.

“Therefore, this case warrants a CBI inquiry as women should feel safe and protected and not face death in police stations after illegal arrests,” Kharshiing said today.

Meanwhile, the CSWO also demanded that the family of the victim be compensated by the Assam government for failing to protect her.

According to Kharshiing, the Assam police did not follow Supreme Court guideline that needs to be followed while arresting a woman.

As per the Supreme Court guideline, no woman can be arrested after sunset and before sunrise without special permission from the magistrate.

According to Kharshiing, if a person has been arrested or detained and is being held in custody in a police station or interrogation center or lock-up, such individuals shall be entitled to have one friend or relative or person having interest in such persons welfare be informed.

“Here, the lady has been arrested and no relative was informed and this itself is a contempt of court on the part of the Dispur police,” Kharshiing said.

She said, “As reported, the police say she is mentally unstable then they should have referred her to a psychiatrist and should not have arrested her.” “The CSWO has observed that these procedures were not followed by the Dispur police,” Kharshiing added.