Shillong, Jun 29: A 23-year-old man accused of assaulting his ex-wife in an incident that was recorded and went viral on social media has been arrested by police on Monday.
West Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Herbert Kharkongor said the incident happened on June 28 evening on National Highway 44E, Nongstoiñ bypass.
Despite the brutality of the incident, it initially went unreported, prompting the police to register a suo-motu case at Nongstoin PS U/s 74/135/109 BNS.
Kharkongor said the accused, Fasdingson Wanniang of Mawkadiang village and the victim had been separated for over 1.5 years.
According to police reports, the victim was spending time with friends when she encountered her estranged husband, who allegedly pursued and assaulted her. Following the video’s circulation, others present during the incident were questioned and are now considered key witnesses in the ongoing investigation.
The SP said Wanniang was apprehended today morning with help from VDPCNA, Nongstoiñ and VDP, Mawkadiang village, and was forwarded to the court. He said the victim is being provided assistance and has been referred to the One Stop Center, Nongstoiñ, for counseling and further support.
The district police have also issued a strong warning regarding the sharing and dissemination of videos depicting such assaults. Circulating these materials can lead to severe legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act, and may further traumatize the victim.
Police said revealing a victim’s identity is punishable, and urged the public not to forward unverified content as it amounts to re-victimization and may hamper the probe.
Furthermore, anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact the police control room, 9366498499 or dial 112, with assurance of confidentiality for informants.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress had condemned the incident and said such acts of violence against women are unacceptable and have no place in the society.
Mahila Congress president Joplyn Scott Shylla commended the prompt action taken by the Meghalaya police in detaining one of the accused and urged authorities to identify and arrest all others involved.
“We stand in solidarity with the survivor and call upon every citizen to speak out against violence against women. Every woman has the right to live with dignity, safety, and freedom from fear,” Shylla said.
