KSU in Meghalaya demands immediate arrest in nurse case under POCSO
Khasi Students’ Union asks East Khasi Hills Police to arrest a male nurse accused of molesting a minor girl at NEIGRIHMS. Police say the case is under POCSO and
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has urged the East Khasi Hills Police to arrest a male nurse accused of molesting a minor girl at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS). The union raised concerns about alleged delays in police action and also questioned the hospital’s handling of the incident after surgery.
KSU members met East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem and submitted a memorandum seeking swift action. The case is being investigated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, police said.
KSU alleges delay and lapses at NEIGRIHMS
According to KSU General Secretary Reuben Najiar, the alleged incident happened on July 4. The minor had undergone an appendix operation at NEIGRIHMS. After the surgery, she was moved to an observation room, and KSU claimed she was left alone without a female nurse or attendant.
Najiar said the girl later informed her mother after she was shifted back to the ward, following which an FIR was filed at the Mawdiangdiang Police Outpost on the same day. The union alleged that despite the FIR being registered, police did not act immediately and there was a delay of around 48 hours. KSU said this gave the accused time to avoid arrest while police visited the hospital to record statements.
Police say notice procedure applies
Speaking to reporters, SP Vivek Syiem said the police have registered the case under POCSO and that the investigation is ongoing. He explained that because the alleged offences are punishable with imprisonment of less than seven years, the law requires a notice under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) instead of immediate arrest.
KSU also criticised certain hospital staff, alleging that some employees supported the accused after the POCSO case was registered. The union asked police to examine whether any staff members who allegedly obstructed the investigation or supported the accused could face action for abetment. KSU further said it has written to NEIGRIHMS authorities seeking an explanation for the absence of a female nurse or attendant during the post-surgery period.
