Kohima police has confirmed the arrest of an individual involved in an alleged molestation of a minor girl in the state capital. The accused has been identified as one Meren, currently serving as a driver in the department of Forest.

As per Kohima police, the alleged molestation of a minor girl of 13 years old by the accused was reported to have occurred in the second week of April at Lower Forest Colony, Kohima where the accused person resides. The accused allegedly grabbed the victim’s private parts while she was working in a garden.

Acting upon information, police personnel from North PS, Kohima said to have apprehended the accused from his residence on April 27.

On April 28, police said, a written FIR was received from victim’s grandmother, stating that the matter would be discussed with the colony chairman and requesting the legal proceedings to be kept pending. “Accordingly, the accused was released on PR (personal recognizance) bond,” Kohima police said. “Subsequently, on April 29, a regular case was registered against the accused Vide Kohima Women PS No. 004/25 U/S 74/75 BNS r/w Section 8 of POCSO Act. The accused is forwarded to judicial custody, and investigation is ongoing,” a statement from Kohima police informed.

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Police further assured that all necessary legal proceedings are being followed and the matter dealt with utmost seriousness.

Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the accused has a similar case against him in 2023, which had not been made public. When contacted, Forest Colony chairman Peter Seb told Nagaland Tribune that the previous case was resolved “amicably” between the parties involved who preferred to keep the matter private, hence, no further action was taken.

In regard to the present case, Seb said that the colony authorities are working closely with the police to give justice to the victim.