Kohima: NTC, APO condemn Chiephobozou taxi rape case, seek justice

The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) and the Angami Public Organisation (APO) have condemned the alleged rape of a woman by a private taxi driver in the Chiephobozou area of Kohima district, and asked the authorities to make sure the case is investigated and tried without delay.

In separate statements issued on Saturday, October 31, both organisations also referred to a second reported case under the Chiephobozou administrative circle: the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl by a family member. No police account of that second case has been made public so far.

What is alleged in the taxi case

According to a memorandum submitted by women's and youth bodies of Nerhema village, the incident took place around 1.30 pm on October 17. A woman travelling from Kohima to Chiephobozou in a private taxi was allegedly locked inside the vehicle when the driver did not stop at her destination. He allegedly first dropped a male co-passenger on the Chiechama-Botsa route and then drove towards Ciethu Road under Chiephobozou town, where he allegedly assaulted her.

An FIR was lodged at Chiephobozou Police Station. At a protest rally in Chiephobozou on October 23, Kohima Additional Deputy Commissioner Ruopfukuotuo Noudi told the protesters that the accused, a 28-year-old taxi driver, was in judicial custody, and said the administration was taking the case very seriously. NEInsider is not naming the accused or giving any details that could identify the survivor.

The Nerhema Women Organisation and allied bodies have demanded a time-bound probe, early filing of the charge-sheet, a fast-track trial and no bail for the accused. They also want GPS devices made mandatory in public transport vehicles and routine breathalyser checks on drivers.

What the apex bodies said

The NTC, in a statement by president C. Pankathung Lotha and general secretary C. Onen Walling, said the incidents had shocked Naga society. It asked the state government and the custodians of customary law to act against those responsible "without fear or favour", using both state laws and Naga customary practice.

The APO, through president Thejao Vihienuo and general secretary Keneilesa Neikha, said passengers in public transport must be able to travel safely. It urged the authorities and taxi unions to verify drivers' backgrounds, bring in passenger-safety measures and monitor taxi services more closely, adding that unregulated taxis should not be allowed to run.

On the second case, the APO said a home should be a place where children are protected. It asked the police to investigate both cases impartially, and appealed to village councils, range bodies, youth and women's groups and churches to stay alert and protect women and children.

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