Hindu minor gang-raped, 3 others assaulted by 10-15 Muslims in Meghalaya, Police deny communal angle
West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India 
15 April, 2024
Case Summary
On April 20, 2024, it was reported that 4 minor girls had been raped during the annual Chenga Benga Mela in Gandhipara village in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. It was reported, “Gut-wrenching news of gang rape by 25 Jihadis on 4 minor Hindu girls of Garo Hills, Meghalaya coming in.” “During annual Chenga Benga Mela on Assam-Meghalaya border; 4 minor Hindu girls abducted, gang-raped in captivity n physically assaulted by Jihadis hailing from South Salmara- Mankachar dist bordering Bangladesh. Police complaint lodged at Garobadha PS but no arrests made so far!” LRO further added. SP (South West Garo Hills) Vikash Kumar confirmed that the victims included two minor boys and two minor girls. He said that the incident occurred on April 16 this year. The four victims were physically assaulted and one of the girls was also subjected to gang rape. An FIR was registered in connection to the case, wherein it was stated that a total of 10-15 Muslim men were involved in the crime. However, Kumar dismissed reports that indicated a ‘communal angle’ in the case and said that the accused were yet to be identified.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
In this case, the Muslim perpetrator sexually abused and exploited a minor Hindu girl. Since the victim in this case is a minor, there is a strong suspicion of grooming involved. Grooming is a phenomenon where Muslim men specifically target minor non-Muslim girls for sexual exploitation, abuse and rape. However, since there is no specific evidence of a pattern of victimization of Hindu minors by the perpetrator and no indication from the parents of the minor that she was targeted for her religious identity, this case is being categorized as 'undecided'. If more information emerges, it will be added to the hate crime database.
Victim Details
Total Victim
4
Deceased
0
Gender
- Male 2
- Female 2
- Third Gender 0
- Unknown 0
Caste
- SC/ST 0
- OBC 0
- General 0
- Unknown 4
Age Group
- Minor 4
- Adult 0
- Senior Citizen 0
- Unknown 0
Case Status
Complaint registered
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
From 10 to 100
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
