SHILLONG, March 7 - Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh today rejected demand from the Opposition to step down saying he has done �no wrong� in the rape case of a minor, which also involves a Member of the House.
Replying to a Special Motion on rising crimes against women and children in the State, the Home Minister said he has not interfered with the investigations of the case.
�It is not a fact that the crime, committed by the MLA (Julius Dorphang), happened in the guest house owned by my son,� Lyngdoh said adding, he had no knowledge of the crime and therefore asking for his resignation is not correct.
He nonetheless assured the House that even if his kin are involved in the case, he would not interfere and let the law take its own course of action. Stating that he is �not a watchdog�, Lyngdoh added that none can predict the time and occurrence of a crime.
The Home Minister said he has �given the police a free hand to investigate� into the case.
He informed the House that a dedicated Helpline number for women would be rolled out �very soon� to inform and register any crime. Moreover, the new Forensic Laboratory building is nearing completion, and it would be inaugurated this year. Lyngdoh also added that forensic scientists have been sent for training outside the State on DNA sample collection and analysis.
Additionally, equipment related to DNA analysis have been procured, but still a few more need to be purchased so that the State has a proper forensic laboratory to assist in criminal investigations.
Lyngdoh moreover said the fast track courts are being revived with the State government�s assistance and these would go a long way in disposing of cases relating to crimes against women and children.
