A 29-year old doctor has been arrested for allegedly molesting and attempting to murder a woman near Sakawrdai village in the northeastern part of Mizoram bordering Manipur, about 161 km from Aizawl, a police officer said.
The accused has been identified as JH Vanlalnunmawia, a resident of Ramhlun North in Aizawl, who is currently working as a doctor in Sakawrdai village.
The incident, which took place recently, came to light after the victim’s family lodged a criminal case at Sakawrdai police station, officer-in-charge of the police station, Lalzawmliana said.
The police said the incident occurred on Monday night when the woman, who is working as a peer educator under an NGO, was heading towards her native village, Sakawrdai in the doctor’s car from a neighbouring village.
The complainant alleged that the accused had molested the woman, who is in her mid-20 and threatened to take her life if she did not succumb to his request, Lalzawmliana said.
The accused was arrested on Tuesday night and was produced before a magistrate in Aizawl on Wednesday.
Charges of molestation, attempt to murder and driving his vehicle under the alcoholic influence have been leveled against the doctor, the police officer said.
A district court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of the doctor and was sent to judicial custody.
Meanwhile, Mizoram’s apex women body Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), the NGOs of Sakawrdai and Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) have condemned the incident and demanded stringent punishment to the accused.
The HSA in a statement alleged that the accused used provocative communal remarks and demanded an apology from him.