Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 8 Sep: The Itanagar police have arrested 50-year-old Biri Tara of Modirijo here in connection with alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl and physical assault on a minor boy.
Videos purportedly showing the incidents went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage among citizens.
According to police sources, an informer alerted the police about the alleged abuse and also shared a video recording of the incident. A case was subsequently registered, and Tara was arrested on 2 September. He was later produced before the special judge in Yupia and remanded to judicial custody.
Meanwhile, the Itanagar police have urged people to stop sharing or circulating the videos on social media.
"The accused has been arrested, and the matter is under investigation. However, it has been seen that many people are sharing, re-sharing and circulating the video on social media platforms and groups. In this regard, it is strictly advised not to upload, share, forward or circulate the video, photographs, screenshots or any material identifying the minor on any social media or messaging platform," the police appealed.
Protecting the privacy and dignity of the child is the collective responsibility of all citizens, the Itanagar police added.
Several videos allegedly showing Tara molesting a minor girl and physically assaulting a young boy have gone viral on social media. The videos have triggered widespread outrage, with many people calling for strict action against the accused.
Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society (APWWS) has expressed deep shock and strongest condemnation over the viral video.
"The APWWS considers the alleged incident extremely serious and reiterates that there can be no compromise when it comes to the safety, dignity and protection of children. Every child has the fundamental right to live free from violence, abuse, intimidation and exploitation, irrespective of the circumstances," the APWWS said in a release.
It expressed appreciation for the Itanagar women police station for arresting the accused, and said it looks forward to a swift, impartial and time-bound investigation in accordance with the law.
"If the allegations are established, the accused must face stringent legal action under the applicable child-protection laws," the APWWS said.
It added that the authorities must ensure that the child is provided appropriate counselling, care, legal assistance and a safe environment throughout the investigation and any subsequent proceedings.
The APWWS also appealed to members of the public, social media users and media organisations to stop circulating, forwarding or reposting the video or any content that may identify the minor.
"Sharing such material can further violate the child's privacy and cause additional psychological harm," it said.
"Child protection cannot be left solely to law-enforcement agencies; it is a collective responsibility of families, communities and the state," it added.
The APWWS said it stands firmly with the child, and urged all authorities concerned to act with urgency, sensitivity and zero tolerance towards abuse of children.