Shillong, June 29: West Khasi Hills Police have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the assault of a 22-year-old woman after a video of the incident went viral on social media, while also warning the public against circulating the footage, citing legal provisions and the need to protect the victim’s identity.
According to a press release issued by the Superintendent of Police, West Khasi Hills, the assault took place on the evening of June 28 along the NH-44E Nongstoin Bypass Road, but was not reported to any police station. After the video surfaced online on the night of June 28, police registered a suo motu case at Nongstoin Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched an investigation.
During the investigation, police identified the accused as Fasdingson Wanniang (23), a resident of Mawkadiang village in West Khasi Hills. He is the victim’s former husband, and police said the couple had been living separately for more than one-and-a-half years.
Investigators questioned other individuals seen in the viral video and found them to be key witnesses who were present at the scene during the incident. Preliminary findings indicate that the victim had gone out with her friends when she encountered the accused, who allegedly began assaulting her.
With assistance from the Village Defence Party Coordination Committee (VDPCNA), Nongstoin, and the Village Defence Party of Mawkadiang, police apprehended the accused on the morning of June 29. He was subsequently arrested and produced before the competent court. Police said the victim is receiving all necessary assistance and has been referred to the One Stop Centre, Nongstoin, for counselling and further support.
Meanwhile, West Khasi Hills Police have appealed to the public to immediately stop sharing the viral video, warning that circulating such content is an offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
The police stressed that revealing the identity of a victim of assault, either directly or indirectly, is punishable under law. Citizens have also been urged not to forward or share unverified content, as doing so may re-victimise the survivor and hamper the ongoing investigation.
Anyone possessing information related to the incident has been requested to contact the Police Control Room (9366498499) or dial 112. Police assured that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
West Khasi Hills Police further stated that strict legal action will be taken against the offender and appealed to the public to cooperate with the investigation by refraining from sharing sensitive content on social media.
