Tura, Oct 17: Police on Saturday arrested an accused for his alleged involvement in rape of a 16-year-old girl from a village near Phulbari in West Garo Hills.

The incident took place on October 15 evening, when a man aged 23 forcefully took the girl to a secluded area before clamping her mouth with a cloth, tearing off her pants and attempting to force himself on her.

Unfortunately for the culprit, the act was seen by the younger sister of the victim, who immediately raised an alarm, leading to him being caught by the villagers.

However, instead of handing the culprit to the police, the villagers decided to hold a ‘Mahari’ (clan) meeting where they attempted to compromise the case to ensure the culprit could be let off, in spite of the protests of some people.

A section of the villagers then informed a social activist who informed the police on the matter, leading to the culprit being arrested.  “He has been booked under sections of the IPC and POCSO and has been apprehended,” said district police chief Dr Raghavendra Kumar.