SHILLONG : A 21-year-old man wanted in connection with a POCSO and rape case registered at Laitumkhrah Police Station surrendered before the police on Thursday and was subsequently arrested.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the accused, Jonathan L. Pachau, surrendered at Laitumkhrah Police Station before the Officer-in-Charge.
Police said he has been booked under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He will be produced before the competent court.
The arrest comes days after police issued an all-India lookout notice and formed a special team to trace him in coordination with the Mizoram Police.
The SP said investigators have already recorded the survivor’s statement and collected digital evidence. Police have also learnt of other alleged victims and are calling them to record their statements and, where appropriate, lodge FIRs as part of the ongoing investigation.
Syiem also cautioned the public against relying on unverified claims circulating on social media, stating that such posts are not evidence and that their authenticity is yet to be verified.
Police said a chargesheet will be filed after the investigation is completed.