In a harrowing incident that has shook the State, 33 years old Benjamin Terieng, has been accused of brutally raping a 26-year-old woman from Ngwalwa village on September 8 in Peren District.
Speaking to Nagaland Tribune, the family members of the victim stated that on September 8, the victim had gone with her friends to cook and have dinner together, including the accused. However, on her return home, she experienced pain and fell in a critical condition. Subsequently, the victim’s elder sister called the accused, Benjami, who had dropped her off at home to inquire if anything happened. Benjamin, however denied any wrongdoing.
Out of shame and fear, the victim did not immediately disclose the incident. Despite her initial reluctance, the victim revealed about the sexual assault which occurred after dinner when the accused was driving her home.
On September 14, the victim was taken to Peren Town Hospital for a check-up, where an ultrasound was performed. However, the doctors did not provide any conclusive results and recommended a CT scan. “Preparations were underway to transport her to Dimapur when the accused’s father contributed some funds towards her medical expenses. The accused himself came forward with additional funds, admitting to his crime. We declined the financial support, and returned the money,” informed the family.
Due to the victim’s deteriorating health, she was hospitalized and subsequently transferred to CIHSR Hospital in Dimapur for more specialized care and was shifted in the ICU.
On September 16, after examining the CT scan, doctors informed the family that the case was a legal matter, categorized as an attempt to murder. The family was encouraged to report the incident to the police and file an FIR, without which the victim’s treatment could not proceed. Following the victim’s consent, an FIR was lodged on September 17 and the accused was arrested on the same day having confessed to the crime.
Doctors further informed the family that the injuries were not solely the result of physical force but also involved the use of hard objects such as wood or rocks. “These objects had caused damage to the kidney’s connecting tube to the uterus, which is responsible for urine passage. Due to the severe internal injuries, locating the kidney tube proved challenging,” revealed the family.
The victim will be undergoing necessary surgeries and treatments until her condition stabilizes.
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Ngwalwa civil society organisations condemns
The Ngwalwa Village Council, along with the Ngwalwa Women Society, Ngwalwa Youth Welfare Organization, and Ngwalwa Students Union, has strongly condemned the heinous crime, stating that there is no place in society for those who commit such acts of violence.
In a joint press statement, the community expressed their deepest sympathy to the victim and called upon law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served. They demanded that the perpetrator be held accountable under the full extent of the law.
Condemning the incident, Kiepeube Zehuny, Chairman of Ngwalwa Village asserted that the village will not tolerate any form of violence, and will continue to support the victim in her pursuit of justice.
Additional SP and PRO Peren has informed that the accused, Benjamin Terieng (33 years), son of Suibaheing, was arrested right after the victim’s family lodged an FIR and is currently under the custody of Jalukie Police Station. A case has been registered at Jalukie Police Station, and the investigation is underway.
