Mob lynches two rape accused, CM orders magisterial enquiry

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, Feb 20: An angry mob reportedly broke into the Tezu police station in Lohit district, and lynched two pedophiles after dragging them out from their cells for brutally raping and murdering allegedly a five-year-old girl in Tezu on Monday.

The deceased, identified as Sanjay Sobar and Jagdish Lohar from Assam, were stripped by the angry mob, beaten and dragged through streets before being lynched at main Chariali in Tezu town, sources said here today.

Both were arrested from mgo village after they had brutally raped and murdered allegedly a minor girl at mgo village under Wakro circle of Lohit district.

Police found the body of the victim, a student of Gyan Sarovar Academy, near the tea garden – a few kilometres from mgo village on Sunday after she had gone missing since February 12 last.

Hours after the body was recovered, police swung into action and arrested the accused, who had reportedly confessed to the crime.

Sources said that the police were powerless as they had been outnumbered and could not do anything to stop the public lynching.

Meanwhile, Lohit Deputy Commissioner promulgated a prohibitory order under section 144 CrPC restricting movement and assembly of more than three persons at one time, meeting/procession, postering of any kind and carrying of any arms/weapons in Tezu township area.

Expressing grief and utter shock on the rape and murder of a minor girl at Wakro, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also expressed shock over the unfortute incident at Tezu where mob attacked and killed the alleged accused, who were in police custody and ordered for a police enquiry by DIGP Eastern Range Apur Bipin.

The order said that the report must be submitted within seven days. The Chief Minister also ordered for a magisterial enquiry into the entire episode. “We are citizens of a great country who abide by the law enshrined in the constitution. Our laid down rules and regulations doesn’t allow us to take the law into our hands and so have placed the police and judiciary”, Khandu said while appealing the people to maintain peace and not take law into their hands.

Extending solidarity with the family members of the minor who was first raped and then brutally murdered, Khandu termed the incident as barbaric and inhuman. He questioned the mentality of those culprits who could go upto such extent.

He viewed the heinous crime as one of the most gruesome and said the culprits deserve severest of punishments that law of the land can pronounce.

He, however, said that the police and judiciary should be equally respected as they are for meant safety and security of the people.

Meanwhile, three cops including in-charge of Tezu police station and a lady sub inspector have been placed under suspension and the SP has been transferred for their inefficiency in dealing with the matter, an official release informed here today.