ITANAGAR, May 3 - A conglomeration of several organisations, including women�s bodies of West Siang district, today staged a peaceful demonstration in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner at the district headquarters, Aalo, protesting against the alleged rape of an elderly woman recently.
According to information available here, the alleged incident occurred at Higi Bagra village under the Bagra circle of West Siang district on Sunday last when a 25-year-old youth, Idak Bagra, overpowered the 70-year-old woman.
The youth threatened the woman with dire consequences and allegedly raped her on April 28.
The Aalo Police Station has registered a case (No. 32/19) under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code on the basis of an FIR lodged by the family members of the victim.
The alleged rapist, Idak Bagra � a habitual offender � who initially evaded arrest, surrendered before the police on Friday after mounting pressure from various quarters, including his fellow villagers.
Following the demonstration, members of the Aalo unit of the Arunachal Pradesh Women�s Welfare Society, Women Welfare Society of Higi Bagra, Memo Ao Youth Association, Pushi Bango Welfare Society and Paktu Ao Youth Welfare Association submitted a joint representation to the district administration, demanding stern action against the alleged rapist.
The protesters further demanded of the DC to ensure that the Bagra Circle Officer is stationed at his place of posting, besides calling for setting up of a police outpost in the circle to contain such heinous crimes.
Sources said Bagra had committed a similar crime against a daily wage earner in the same village in May last year, following which a case was registered at the Aalo Police Station under Sections 366(2)/354/34 of the IPC against him.
The case was heard in the court of the Additional District and Sessions Judge at Basar, following which he was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
