Panel set up to probe moral policing controversy

Meghalaya government today said it has constituted a high level inquiry committee to probe the moral policing controversy in which 12 women, including a pregnant one, were detained and tortured for a week by members of an NGO.
Headed by Social Welfare department commissioner and secretary M H K Marak, the probe panel was given 30 days to submit its report, Social Welfare Minister Deborah C Marak told reporters.
The probe team was set up after five persons were arrested in Tura, headquarters of West Garo Hills district, for alleged illegal detention and torture of 12 young women last week.

The minister said the state level committee could override the magisterial inquiry constituted by the district administration, if necessary.
"Whoever is found guilty will be punished according to the law of the land," Marak said.
The Social welfare department commissioner and secretary will co-opt members for the committee from Garo Hills social welfare department, district administration and the police.