Raphael Warjri

The Laitumkhrah Unit of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on April 14 apprehended a non-local individual accused of molesting a young woman under the guise of conducting a medical examination at a pharmacy in Laitumkhrah.

The accused, identified as Bulu Malakar from Karimganj district of Assam, is reportedly residing in New Colony, Laitumkhrah. While he was employed as a salesperson, he allegedly misrepresented himself as a qualified pharmacist at a medical store named Meghalaya Pharmacy.

According to reports, the incident occurred when a young woman visited the pharmacy to purchase medicine for a mouth ailment. The accused allegedly persuaded her to enter a clinic room on the pretext of checking her blood pressure. Once inside, he reportedly asked her to lie down and proceeded to touch her inappropriately, allegedly attempting to sexually assault her. The victim managed to escape and fled the premises.

Following the incident, the survivor alerted members of the KSU. Acting swiftly, the organisation, along with local youth groups of Laitumkhrah and the shnong authorities, traced the accused and handed him over to Laitumkhrah Police Station.

A formal complaint has been filed by the victim’s family, supported by the KSU and local shnong representatives. The case has also been brought to the notice of the State Women’s Commission, while further investigation has been taken up by the police.

In the aftermath of the incident, the KSU and local shnong members sealed the pharmacy and issued a strong warning, calling for stringent action against those involved in such offences.