In a significant development to the row surrounding singer Angarag Papon Mahanta, Guwahati police decided to send a special officer to Mumbai to investigate into the incident.
Papon got embroiled in a controversy when he was found ‘inappropriately’ kissing a minor girl in a video that went viral on social media.
“We have deputed a special officer to go to Mumbai in a day or two and investigate the incident. We will question the person who shot the video and others who were present at the set when the incident happened,” Guwahati Police Commissioner Hiren Nath told mediapersons here on Tuesday.
“The person who shot the video didn’t inform the authorities about the incident and so he will be questioned. We also need to find out the actual mentor of the girl in the show,” he added.
POCSO Act states that any person, who fails to report the commission of an offence under sub-section (1) of section 19 or section 20 or who fails to record such offence under sub-section (2) of section 19 shall be punished with imprisonment of either description which may extend to six months or with fine or with both.
Nath further informed that Mumbai police will provide the necessary manpower and logistics for the same.
The special officer deputed in the case will also look into circumstantial evidence related to the case. A notice has already been served to Papon, Nath added.
The Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) filed a case against the singer.
Taking a suo motu cognizance of the case of Papon, the ASCPCR wrote to the Commissioner of Police seeking an enquiry into the incident.
Following a complaint filed by Supreme Court Lawyer Runa Bhuyan, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Friday issued a notice to singer Angarag Papon Mahanta and the channel & TV.