CRPF denies rape allegations

IMPHAL, July 27: The IG CRPF, Mohan Raj, said that no CRPF personnel ever approached the house of chief of Lamdan village in which the chief's daughter-in-law was alleged to have been raped by CRPF personnel on July 18 in the wake of an ambush on a CRPF patrol. The IG was speaking at a press conference held at the Langjing group centre of the CRPF today. He however said that he was eager to have the DNA test done on the suspects to see if they match the DNA content of the blood and semen stained clothing of the alleged rape victim. Citing the instance of an earlier sodomy case involving CRPF personnel, he said the CRPF had taken up immediate action against the culprits and had the main accused imprisoned for 30 days after dismissal from service and the other who merely was the mute witness, jailed for 15 days. "In the present case, I am convinced that my men are not involved," he said. Asked about the motive of serious charge of rape on his men, he said it was likely to be out of grudge that the son of the chief of the village was picked up for interrogation by the CRPF. He also said that no villagers who were picked up on the day were beaten up as alleged. The commandant and the assistant commandant of the 112 Bn CRPF, the unit involved in the present controversy also defended the CRPF position that no personnel of its unit approached the alleged site of crime on that day. They said a search operation was conducted at the house of one Achung who brews country liquor. Apart from Achung, some other men, including the chief's son were picked as they were found loitering near the CRPF camp. Achung's house they said was a good distance from the site of the alleged crime. They said while these men were being detained at their camp for interrogation, agitated local women came to the camp to free their men but were stopped at gate. Later the arrested men were handed over to the women, they said.