Photo Courtesy: nenow
Shillong: Jonathan L. Pachau, a 21-year-old college student from Chaltlang, Aizawl, surrendered to the officer-in-charge at Laitumkhrah Police Station on Thursday. Police immediately arrested the suspect. He had been on the run for over a week after social media posts alleged he assaulted multiple young women. Authorities tracked him to Mizoram.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed the arrest. The suspect went dark to evade capture. He switched off his mobile phone after the allegations went viral, making it difficult for the police to trace him. Officials issued an all-India lookout notice and formed a special investigation team to hunt him down.
Pachau faces serious legal charges. He is booked under Laitumkhrah PS Case No. 100/2026, which covers Sections 3, 4, 11, and 12 of the POCSO Act. Additionally, he faces PS Case No. 94/2026 under Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police will produce him before the court to seek judicial custody.
The investigation began on July 7 following the first formal complaint. While online claims suggested a wide pattern of abuse and included an ultrasound report, investigators have only received one official FIR. Police are now vetting other potential victims. Investigators have already recorded the statement of the first complainant and processed digital evidence.
Police warned the public to exercise caution regarding unverified reports. Officials urged the public not to treat allegations circulating on social media as established facts, stating that the authenticity of claims made online is being verified as part of the investigation. Authorities are now calling on anyone else with information to come forward and file a formal statement. A full chargesheet will follow the conclusion of the probe.
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