Kohima: Protesters gathered in Chiephobozou on Friday to demand justice for a woman allegedly kidnapped and raped by a private taxi driver. The Nerhema Women Organization and local frontal groups organized the rally. They want a fast-track investigation and an end to bail options for the suspect. The accused, identified as Ruokuotuolie Rupreo of Chiechama village, remains in judicial custody.
The incident occurred on October 17 at 1:30 PM. The victim boarded a private taxi in Kohima heading for Chiephobozou. The driver bypassed her stop, locked the doors, and drove toward the Chiechama-Botsa route. After dropping a male passenger, he forced the woman onto Ciethu Road. He then sexually assaulted her. The victim filed an FIR at the Chiephobozou Police Station.
Protesters initially faced an empty office when the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chiephobozou was absent. Kohima ADC Ruopfukuotuo Noudi eventually accepted their memorandum. He apologized for the delay and promised legal action. Noudi stated, "We are taking the case very seriously. We will ensure that the law takes its own course."
The groups demand charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita including kidnapping, wrongful confinement, and rape. They also requested mandatory GPS and breathalyzer testing for all public transport. The memorandum warned that the organizations will start further protests if the legal process drags. They also called for victim compensation and strict adherence to privacy laws regarding the survivor's identity.
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