Shillong May 15: Crime against children in West Jaiñtia Hills district is on the rise and atleast 13 persons have been arrested in 17 cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act from January till date.

According to West Jaiñtia Hills district Superintendent of Police, Vivek Syiem, it has been observed that there is a perceptible rise in crime against children in the district.

“This year, 17 cases under POCSO Act have been registered till date in which three cases have been charge sheeted while 14 cases are being investigated. 13 persons have been arrested so far this year in cases related to sexual offences against children,” he said.

He also informed that one Sanki Ksoo, who allegedly involved in abducting and sexually assaulting a 12 year old boy on Sunday night was arrested immediately after an FIR was filed on Monday.

Ksoo has now been forwarded to judicial custody.

Syiem informed that another accused identified as Deibor Talang (36) has absconded after a case was registered against him for his alleged involvement in sexual assault of a 15 year old girl since 2014.

The case was reported from Moopylliatsyiar, Khliehtyrshi village.

“The case under POCSO Act has been registered and investigation is on. Police are also making efforts to track and arrest the accused,” he said.

Meanwhile, the SP sought the support and cooperation of the public to enable police to expeditiously act on such cases where physical evidence is crucial and the accused do not have the opportunity to abscond and evade arrest.

He urged the public to call their nearest Police Station or contact Police Control Room Jowai at the following numbers – 03652-220782 and 9774065467 (including Whatsapp) for early action.

They can also email at vivek.syiem@nic.in for any query on matters relating to crime and security.