SHILLONG : West Khasi Hills Police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly assaulting his estranged wife after a video of the incident went viral on social media, leading police to initiate a suo motu case. Superintendent of Police Herbert Kharkongor said the assault took place on the evening of June 28 along National Highway-44E at the Nongstoin Bypass Road.
Although no complaint was lodged with any police station, the viral video prompted police to take cognisance of the incident and begin an investigation. A suo motu case was registered at Nongstoin Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following which investigators identified the accused as Fasdingson Wanniang (23) of Mawkadiang village. Police said the victim is the accused’s 22-year-old estranged wife. According to the SP, the couple had been living separately for more than one-and-a-half years. Kharkongor said investigators identified the accused through source information during the probe. He added that other individuals seen in the viral video were questioned and found to be important witnesses who were present when the incident occurred.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the woman had gone out with friends when they encountered the accused, who allegedly chased and assaulted her.
The accused was apprehended on Monday morning by Nongstoin Police with assistance from the Village Defence Primary Committee Nongstoin Area (VDPCNA) and the Village Defence Party (VDP) of Mawkadiang village. He was later formally arrested and produced before the court.
Police said the investigation into the case is continuing