Civil society groups Tuesday condemned the beheading of a girl in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills district and demanded "exemplary" punishment for the accused.
Police Sunday recovered Richina N. Sangma's body from Rongrenggre reserve forest in East Garo Hills. The girl was 15-year-old. She went missing Sep 28.
"The head and an arm were found at a distance. The head did not have any flesh. We suspect wild animals have eaten the flesh," Davies Marak, police chief of East Garo Hills, told IANS.
Davies Marak said the girl's stepfather Rashu N. Marak is the prime suspect and was arrested.
Earlier, Rashu Marak filed a missing person case after his wife persisted. In the FIR, he claimed to have taken the girl to a doctor in Williamnagar and then sent her home in an auto.
"It is one of the most gruesome and cold-blooded murders. The government should take steps to ensure that the prime accused should not be released on bail," said Rocky Sangma, general secretary of Garo Student's Union.
He said the student's body will hold a protest rally Wednesday at Williamnagar to condemn the murder.
All India Garo Union (AIGU) leader Tyson D. Shira also urged the government to punish the perpetrator.
The Civil Society Women's Organisation (CSWO) also condemned the brutal murder and demanded that a charge sheet should immediately be filed against the girl's step-father.
"As he (Rashu N. Marak) seems to be the main suspect and have given contradictory statements, there should be no dealy...The mother has also filed an FIR (First Information Report) against him," said CSWO chairperson Agnes Khasrshiing.
Kharshiing demanded that post-mortem report should reach the victim's home within a fortnight. Post-mortem and medical reports of all murders, sexual offences should be immediately given to the victim's family.
The Meghalaya State Women's Commission (MSWC) also demanded stern action against those who beheaded the tribal girl.
"We urge the state government to take up stern action against the perpetrator. The crime against women and girls are increasing day-by-day and for how long we can tolerate such crimes," said MSWC chairperson Theilin Phanbuh.
