Dimapur, March 13 (MExN): The Chakhesang Mothers Association, Phek (CMA) reacting sharply to the rejoinder issued by the parents of the three persons involved in the raping/attempting rape of four minor girl students on February 24 at Pfutsero, has made known that the justification forwarded by the said parents did not in any way tally with the verification and findings carried out by the association.
In a letter addressed to the Phek Deputy Commissioner, the CMA informed that it had carried out verifications on March 10 to authenticate and ascertain the facts of the case which saw the rape of one girl, Akole, and molestation of three others namely Wethsote-u (Class-VII), Menu-u (Class-VI) and Menyethsou (Class-VI). Giving details of the findings the association strongly refuted the claims made by the parents of the culprits that, Akole, who was raped was a class-X student and not a minor. The association stated that the official academic records of the said girl mentioned she was only a class-VIII and completing 14 years of age only on May 1, 2006. “Therefore the question of physical relationship by consent or by force or romantic affair does not arise as the victimized girl is evidently a minor in the eye of the law and the abhorrent act perpetuated upon her is a crime against all norms and civility” stated the letter. It added that one of the parents Kewekhape Khupfu testified to the fact-finding team that he was not a signatory to the rejoinder issued to the media March 8. “His signature in the rejoinder was forged. This tantamount to willfully abetting the crime committed by their criminal sons” stated the association adding that justifications to an abhorrent crime were made in form of a rejoinder.
The association also stated that the confessional statement of one of the three accused, Tewetso Dikha, who has been booked, tallied with the version of the victimized girls. The CMA also took strong exception to what it implied was laxity and indifference by the law enforcement agencies. “Despite being aware of the gravity of the crime, the law enforcement agencies have turned a blind eye to the entire episode. Even after a lapse of 18 days, the (other two) criminals, Zebedee Vadeo and Kevelato Puro are yet to be arrested and prosecuted and the vehicle (Tata mobile without registration number) used for the crime is plying freely. We therefore question the logic behind such lackadaisical attitude of the concerned authority in upholding the law of the land” the CMA stated.
While expressing pain and shock at the crime, the CMA demanded that the highest form of punishment be delivered to the criminals. “Failure to meet the demands of the CMA within the shortest feasible time, we shall be compelled to seek justice in any other forum and hereinafter we shall not be held responsible for any untoward consequence” the Chakhesang Mothers Association warned sternly.
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