The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) has called on the state government to take stringent disciplinary action, including termination, against three state employees allegedly involved in a sex racket exploiting minors. The case has shocked the state, with one of the accused being a police constable. The racket, uncovered in August 2024, came to light after minor victims courageously reported their ordeal. The authorities subsequently registered a formal case and arrested nine individuals, including three prime accused, for alleged rape and sexual assault of minors. Reports indicate the racket had been operating since 2019 under the guise of a restaurant-cum-bar in Itanagar.
Among the accused are health department attendant Chaya Dulom and her husband David Dulom, a surveyor in the water resources department, who allegedly lured adolescent girls into the racket. Victims recounted repeated sexual exploitation, often multiple times a day. The APSCPCR, which took suo moto cognizance of the case, expressed deep concern over the involvement of government employees in such heinous crimes. The panel has recommended a reconstitution of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address lapses in the probe, citing a disparity between the number of victims and accused, which hints at potential involvement of high-profile individuals.
The Commission also flagged allegations against police constable Hainu Naiham for allegedly coercing victims to comply with the perpetrators. APSCPCR Chairperson Ratan Anya stressed the importance of swift disciplinary action against erring employees to serve as a deterrent for future crimes.Additionally, the panel urged timely compensation for the victims under the state’s Victim Compensation Scheme and called for a more thorough investigation to identify other potential victims and perpetrators. Notably, nine victims were found to be adults, and their cases have been referred to the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women for further action.
