SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today said his government is setting up a special court to try cases of crimes against women and children while asserting fair investigation was on into the sex racket case involving a 14-year old girl.
"There will be special court for all cases of crimes against women and children," the Chief Minister said after a party meeting here.
This came days after a legislator and other 10 persons were arrested and jailed for their involvement in a sex racket involving a 14-year-old girl here.
Sangma said, "....wherever the government feels necessary for expeditious administration of justice, will then propose for constitution of a special court to deal with any cases as may be identified," he said.
The chief minister said that the process is already on as such courts are established with the approval of the High Court.
Meghalaya MLA Julius K Dorphang, a founding member of a banned organisation till he surrendered in 2007, was named by the 14-year-old victim as one of the people who violated her on a number of times.
The sex racket came to light last month after an employee of the guest house owned by senior Congress leader and Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh's son was arrested after the victim was rescued near it.
On why the Home Minister was not sacked despite the police registering an FIR filed by women activists against the owners of the guest house, Mukul said, "The whole investigation is on. Please have faith in our own administration of justice. There will be fair investigation."
Commending the role played by the state police in tackling such crimes, the Chief Minister reminded that he had already informed the House about how the police have completed charge-sheeting in all reported crimes against women and children. Sangma said, "Meghalaya is one of the states that has police organisation demonstrating its commitment to pursue such cases."
He rubbished reports that the Home Minister could in any way influence the investigation stating that, "in the true spirit of administration of justice, there is no scope for anybody to influence."
The chief minister also assured that there is a laid down procedure in case if that happens and that, he, as the Chief Minister, will be informed so that the government can take a call.
Meanwhile, after 11 arrests were made in the sex racket involving a 14 year-old-girl, woman ministers in the Congress-led government has also condemned the crime.
Labour Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh demanded that penalty should be the outcome of the 'expose'.
"If a crime is committed against a young girl, subsequently we expect that penalty against those involved should follow as per law of the land," she said.
Health Minister Roshan Warjri, who was formerly in charge of Home, demanded that the criminals involved be punished as it will serve as a deterrent to others.
Condemning the recent crime, Civil Defense Minister Deborah Marak on the other hand said that she is saddened that such crimes are taking place as reported from time to time in the state.
She said the victim deserves to be given justice at the earliest.