RTI Activist Seeks Probe Into Repeated Bandh Calls

 

Itanagar, June 11:

A representation has been submitted to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh seeking the constitution of an independent enquiry committee to investigate alleged inaction by the Home Department, district administration, police authorities, and the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) over repeated bandh calls in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR). The memorandum, dated June 9, 2026, was submitted by RTI activist Likha Tolum and received at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar.

According to the representation, the petitioner alleged that APIYO had called multiple capital bandhs within a short span of time, causing inconvenience to the general public and disrupting normal life in the twin capital cities. The memorandum claims that despite district administration orders declaring such bandh calls unlawful and despite repeated warnings from authorities, no FIRs, arrests, or legal action were initiated against those enforcing the shutdowns. The petitioner further alleged that this amounted to unequal treatment under the law and encouraged more pressure groups to resort to bandh culture in the state.

The representation specifically seeks an independent enquiry against four entities: the Home Minister, the district administration, police officials, and APIYO. The petitioner has accused the authorities of failing to enforce administrative orders and of not taking action against organisers of bandh calls despite legal provisions and court rulings against forced shutdowns. The memorandum also alleges that while some social activists and protestors have faced legal action under various laws, organisers of repeated bandh calls were allegedly not subjected to similar action.

Another key demand in the representation is compensation for losses and harassment allegedly suffered by members of the public due to repeated shutdowns. The petitioner has argued that citizens, daily wage earners, businesses, commuters and other sections of society were adversely affected by the bandhs and that responsibility for such losses should be fixed through an independent investigation.

The submission comes in the backdrop of recent APIYO-led bandh calls in the Itanagar Capital Region. Earlier this month, a 24-hour bandh called by APIYO reportedly brought normal life to a standstill in the capital region, affecting transport, businesses and public services. Prior to the shutdown, the district administration had declared the bandh unlawful and warned against its enforcement, stating that the issues raised by the organisation had already been addressed through administrative action. 

In the memorandum, the petitioner urged the Governor to constitute an independent enquiry committee to examine whether there had been administrative lapses, selective enforcement of laws, or failure to uphold public interest. The representation also seeks accountability for any damages caused during the bandh periods and calls for measures to prevent what it describes as the growing trend of repeated and unreasonable shutdowns in the state.

As of now, there has been no official response from Raj Bhavan regarding the representation, nor have the Home Department, district administration, police authorities, or APIYO publicly reacted to the allegations contained in the memorandum.

Arunachal Pradesh Man Sentenced to Life for Repeated Rape of Minor Stepdaughter

 

Papum Pare, June 8:

A Special POCSO Court in Papum Pare district delivered a landmark verdict this Monday, sentencing a 37-year-old man, Tayo Pordung, to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life for the systemic sexual abuse of his minor stepdaughter.

Special Judge (POCSO) Dr. Hirendra Kashyap handed down the sentence following Pordung’s conviction under Section 376(3) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), read in conjunction with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. In addition to the life sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the convict.

Case Background

The horrific ordeal came to light in June 2024, when the victim, then 14 years old, finally mustered the courage to disclose the abuse to her mother. Following the revelation, the mother promptly lodged a formal complaint at the Women Police Station in Itanagar.

The investigation revealed that the accused had been sexually assaulting the victim since she was approximately 11 years old. Throughout this three-year period of abuse, Pordung utilized coercive tactics, repeatedly threatening to kill both the victim and other family members to ensure her silence.

Investigation and Trial

The case was assigned to Sub-Inspector Bamang Yakum. Notably, this investigation marked a significant milestone, as it was the first case handled by the newly recruited officer.

During the trial, the prosecution led by Special Public Prosecutor Kagam Bagra, presented a robust case by examining four key witnesses:

The victim

The victim’s mother

The medical officer

The investigating officer

The court concluded that the prosecution had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Pordung exploited his position of trust as a stepfather to subject the child to repeated aggravated penetrative sexual assault.

Verdict and Judicial Observation

In his ruling, Judge Dr. Hirendra Kashyap rejected the defense’s plea for leniency. The court underscored the heinous nature of the crimes, noting the profound psychological and physical harm inflicted upon the victim. The judge further remarked on the complete lack of remorse displayed by the convict, explicitly stating that he was not entitled to any relief under probation laws.

In addition to the POCSO charges, Pordung was found guilty of:

Criminal Intimidation (Section 506 IPC)

Cruelty to a Child (Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act)

The court has directed that the victim be considered for support under the Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme. The convict was formally informed of his right to challenge the verdict by filing an appeal before the Gauhati High Court.