Mawdiangdiang, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya – In a deeply distressing incident, a young rape victim, aged 16, who was residing in a government shelter home, has allegedly taken her own life. The minor had suffered a horrifying sexual assault in November 2022, reportedly perpetrated by her own uncle. The accused is now facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to reports, the victim tragically ended her life by hanging herself inside the shelter home, leaving no suicide note behind. Prompt action was taken as her body was transferred to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) for a thorough post-mortem examination. Subsequently, the body was handed over to her bereaved family, who will lay her to rest in her final rites.
While the police have officially registered the case as a suicide, they are diligently exploring all possible angles related to this distressing incident.
This tragic occurrence highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures within government shelter homes, especially for victims of such heinous crimes. It serves as a somber reminder of the wider societal and legal challenges in addressing sexual offences against minors.
