
18/09/2025
Outrage over the molestation of an 11-year-old girl in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district grew after her medical examination reports twice came back negative for pe*******on, prompting many organisations to step in.
Officials, however, stressed that the absence of pe*******on in medical findings does not negate the offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which also covers acts of sexual assault such as groping and inappropriate touching.
The incident occurred on September 6 when the girl returned home crying and told her family that her neighbour, identified as 45-year-old Akhung Manham, had stripped and molested her, police said.
The matter was soon reported to the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), which directed the complainant to inform police immediately. Later that evening, the victim, her family and the accused were at Longding Police Station, where an FIR was registered under POCSO.
The victim was taken for medical examination the same night. Her statement was recorded before a magistrate on September 7.
When the medical report indicated no evidence of pe*******on, the family expressed disappointment. On September 9, authorities ordered a re-examination. A committee oversaw the process and on September 10, the victim was again taken for medical tests, which once more ruled out pe*******on.
DCPU officer Anita Wangpan said during counselling the girl consistently stated that the accused had stripped her, groped her and touched her private parts.
“This is still a POCSO case irrespective of whether pe*******on happened or not. The accused should be punished as per law," she said.
Another social worker pointed out that what was unfortunate is that the victim’s name has been sensationalised and exposed by some organisations.
"This is painful for the victim and her family and totally unacceptable,” she said.
Longding Police Station officer-in-charge Takut Konia confirmed the accused was arrested on the day of the incident and is currently in judicial custody.
“All due procedures under POCSO were followed. The chargesheet will be submitted within two to three days,” he said.
Officials reiterated that people should understand the seriousness of the crime even in the absence of pe*******on and urged against disclosing the identity of the child survivor, cautioning that it violates child protection norms and retraumatises victims.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲: 𝐈𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐩𝐜𝐡𝐚