SHILLONG : Meghalaya Police have intensified efforts to trace the accused in the alleged rape case registered at Laitumkhrah Police Station by issuing a nationwide lookout notice and forming a special investigation team after confirming that the suspect was not found in Aizawl.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said police are coordinating with law enforcement agencies across the country to locate and arrest the accused.
“With regard to the rape case registered in Laitumkhrah, we initially sent a lookout notice to Mizoram and have now issued notices across India. A special team has been formed to trace the accused,” Syiem said.
The SP said the investigation has progressed with the recording of digital evidence and the victim’s statement. Police have also received information indicating that there may be additional victims.
“Digital statements have been recorded. We have come to know that there are other victims also. The victim’s statement has been recorded, and the other victims will also be examined in due course,” he said.
According to Syiem, police have already spoken to some of the alleged victims over the phone and have requested them to come forward to officially record their statements and lodge FIRs.
“We have spoken to some more victims over the phone. They have now been asked to come forward to give their statements and file FIRs. That process is yet to be completed,” he added.
Responding to claims circulating on social media, the SP urged the public not to treat online posts as established facts until they are verified through the investigation.
“Social media posts are not facts. We have to verify every claim. Only after people come forward, record their statements and the investigation is completed can we confirm whether they are victims,” Syiem said.
The SP also confirmed that the accused is not hiding in Aizawl, contrary to speculation on social media.
“I have been in touch with the SP of Aizawl. Police there searched the accused’s residence, but he was not found. He has not gone to Aizawl,” Syiem said.
He added that the police’s immediate priority is to arrest the accused, after which the investigation will move towards filing a chargesheet.
“Once the accused is arrested and more facts come to light, we will file the chargesheet as soon as possible. Right now, our immediate priority is to apprehend the accused,” he said.