Gang-rape by Indian Army at Kokrajhar – Magistrate Inquiry ordered

By- Correspondent | Date- April 27, 2011 | Place Kokrjhar

Kokrajhar district administration ordered a magistrate enquiry into the gang-rape of Manek Goyary, a married woman at Tharaibari village under Kokrajhar police station in the district, a good seven days after the woman was gang-rape allegedly by army personnel of 15 Dogra Regiment. The order was given by Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner Donald Gilfellon after pressure mounted from various organizations to act swift. The DC has given a 20 days time to probe. Several woman organizations, including Bodo Women Justice Forum, All India Democratic Woman Association, and senior omen citizens of Kokrajhar today meet the Deputy Commissioner and submitted a memorandum demanding arrest and punishment of the rapist Indian Army, the copy of which was also sent to the Home Ministry, Government of India. A separate memorandum as also by various Bodo organization, including ABSU, Bodo Sahitya Sabha, Bodo Samaj, Tribal Sangha etc.
 
Talking to media, the women body expressed their dissatisfaction on the way the incident is being handled by the police and civil  administration. ‘It is surprising that it took 7 days time for the administration to order for a probe which is yet to be carried out. We have been given 20 days time by the Deputy Commissioner. We will till than and decided the next course of action till justice is done, said Anjali Daimary, president of Bodo Women Justice Forum. A identity parade should be done, Daimary said. Demanding withdrawal of Arms Force Special Power Act, Daimary said because of the Arms Force Special Power Act, the army is committing  such crime targeting innocent civilians and get away with it. They are misusing the Act. Manek Goyary was gang-rape allegedly by two army jawans while the others caught hold of her on April 20 last in her house around 7.30 in absence of her husband.