Meghalaya Police have launched a nationwide search for a college student accused of raping a minor and sexually exploiting several young women, issuing a lookout notice across the country to facilitate his arrest.
The accused has been on the run since allegations against him surfaced on social media around July 6, sparking widespread outrage and calls for immediate action.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said on Monday that the lookout notice was initially circulated in Mizoram before being extended to all states. A special investigation team has also been formed to trace and apprehend the accused.
Police registered an FIR after the allegations came to light, and the statement of the primary complainant has already been recorded. During the course of the investigation, officers found indications that there could be more victims.
Syiem said police have spoken to a few other alleged victims over the phone and urged them to come forward, record their statements and lodge formal complaints to strengthen the investigation.
Responding to social media claims that as many as eight women may have been sexually exploited by the accused, the SP said the number has not yet been verified. He stressed that the claims cannot be confirmed unless the alleged victims cooperate with the investigation by providing statements and evidence.
Dismissing speculation that the accused had fled to Aizawl, Syiem said Meghalaya Police have been coordinating with Mizoram Police. A search was conducted at the accused’s residence in Aizawl, but he was not found there.
Police said their immediate focus is to arrest the accused, after which further evidence will be collected and a charge sheet will be filed before the court.