Ukhrul, November 1: Following multiple reports of molestation and sexual assault, the Deputy Commissioner of Mebo, on Friday, October 30, ordered the immediate closure of Sanggo English School — a residential, co-educational institution catering to students from Grades 1 to 8. The school is located in the Mebo block of East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) East Siang, Pankaj Lamba, the case surfaced on Wednesday, October 29, after a parent lodged an FIR alleging that the hostel warden, Johnson Vaiphei (32), a resident of Churachandpur district, had molested and sexually assaulted a minor student. The complaint also mentioned similar offences committed against three other hostel inmates.
Given the gravity of the allegations, the accused was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. He was produced before the Special Judge (POCSO) at Pasighat and has been remanded to judicial custody.
As the investigation progressed, additional complaints from parents and victims emerged, implicating the school’s Principal, Th. Hoinu Vaiphei (56), and Accountant, Niangdoiting Vaiphei, both from Churachandpur district. They were accused of concealing the offences and failing to report them to the authorities. Both were arrested on Friday, October 30.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted under the leadership of Dr. Akanksha Milind Tamgadge, IPS, SDPO Pasighat. The SIT has visited the school premises, seized relevant documents, and collected digital evidence for forensic examination.
A Special Medical Board at Bakin Pertin General Hospital, Pasighat, has also been formed to conduct medical examinations and provide care for the victims. So far, 22 victims have undergone medical evaluation.
Police stated that the testimonies of the victims and their parents are being recorded with utmost care and sensitivity, in a child-friendly environment. The process is being carried out in coordination with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and One Stop Centre (OSC) in Pasighat to provide continuous psychological support and rehabilitation for the children.
The Superintendent of Police, East Siang, is personally overseeing the investigation to maintain transparency, impartiality, and strict adherence to the victims’ rights under the POCSO Act. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the privacy, dignity, and welfare of all affected children, ensuring that every necessary legal, medical, and social measure is undertaken to deliver justice swiftly and fairly.
In a related development, the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken suo motu action against certain media outlets for disclosing the identities of minor victims, reminding journalists to strictly adhere to confidentiality provisions under the POCSO Act, 2012.