ITANAGAR, Jun 11: A 19-year-old youth has been arrested in connection with two separate incidents involving stalking and attempted outraging of the modesty of women reported from Itanagar Capital Region's Naharlagun and Nirjuli during the early hours of June 7, police said on Thursday.
Naharlagun Superintendent of Police Dr Nyelam Nega said the first incident came to light after a woman lodged a complaint at Naharlagun Police Station, alleging that an unknown man had been stalking her and attempted to enter her residence at around 3 am. The intruder, carrying two pairs of scissors, allegedly attempted to force entry into the house through a window and door, triggering alarm among the occupants.
In the second case, reported at Nirjuli Police Station, a young woman residing in a rented room at Lekhi alleged that an unidentified person entered her room at around 3:30 am while she was asleep. The intruder allegedly covered her mouth and attempted to molest her while using a pair of scissors to cut her clothes.
The victim, however, put up strong resistance and managed to thwart the assault. During the ensuing struggle, she sustained minor injuries to her face before the accused escaped from the scene.
Following an investigation, police identified the accused as John Loda (19), a resident of Seppa in East Kameng district. He was arrested on June 9 by a police team led by Officer-in-Charge of Naharlagun Police Station, Inspector Krishnendu Dev, in connection with the Naharlagun PS Case No. 61/26 registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Meanwhile, SP Nyelam Nega lauded the bravery and presence of mind displayed by the victims and urged citizens to remain vigilant. He advised residents to ensure that doors and windows are properly secured at night, noting that one of the incidents involved entry through an unlocked door.
The police reiterated its commitment to safeguarding women and assured that stringent action would be taken against those involved in crimes against women.