Chargesheet against Meghalaya MLA Dorphang- accused of human trafficking and sexual abuse of a minor girl

TT, Shillong, Feb. 9: Meghalaya police have chargesheeted legislator Julius Kitbok Dorphang and five others in connection with a case of human trafficking and sexual abuse of a 14-year-old.

Dorphang, 52, who represents Mawhati constituency, has been chargesheeted under Section 5(c)/(1)/6 of Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012 for "committing aggravated penetrative sexual assault by a public servant and committing the same more than once".

The superintendent of police (city), Vivek Syiem, today said that the chargesheet had been filed by the investigating officer inspector M.N. Khan in connection with Laitumkhrah police station C/No. 239(12)16 whereby the minor was subjected to human trafficking and sexual abuse in a guesthouse at Motinagar locality here. The chargesheet had been submitted to the court of special judge (Pocso), Shillong, Syiem said.

Dorphang was arrested on January 6 from an inter-state bus terminus at Gorchuk in Guwahati.

Apart from Dorphang, the police have also chargesheeted Mamoni Parbin, 27, Darisha Mary Kharbamon, 22, and Monalisa Shangpliang, 22, under Section 366A of the IPC to be read with Section 77 of Juvenile Justice Act, Section 5 of Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act, Section 17 of Pocso Act for "procuration and inducement" of a minor for illicit intercourse, inducement for prostitution and abetment for any offence under Pocso Act.

Moreover, the chargesheet has named Sandeep Biswa, 27, and Elbert Shemphrang Kharlukhi, 31. They have been chargesheeted under Section 17 of Pocso Act.

In connection with the chargesheet, Syiem said 42 witnesses were examined. A supplementary chargesheet will be shortly submitted against the six individuals after further evidence is received by police, he said.

Dorphang, an Independent legislator, is also a member of the Meghalaya United Alliance government led by Mukul Sangma, and serving as chairman of the Meghalaya Khadi and Village Industries Board. He made his maiden entry into Meghalaya Assembly following his victory in the 2013 polls.

He was the founder chairman of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), but surrendered in 2007.

Apart from the Laitumkhrah case, Dorphang was also booked by Ri Bhoi district police for allegedly assaulting the same minor.

Yesterday, a court again remanded him in another 14-days' judicial custody.

It was the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) which had filed a series of FIRs in relation to the alleged sexual abuse of the minor.

She had worked as a domestic help at the house of Parbin in the Demthring locality here. She was allegedly taken to various guesthouses and hotels in the city and sexually exploited.

The minor was also allegedly sexually exploited at Marvelene's Inn, owned by the immediate family members of Meghalaya home minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh. Despite demands for his resignation, he has refused to step down.

Mukul had recently stated that "as of now, the law does not demand" for the home minister's resignation.