NPP wants Meghalaya CM to quit over student's death

Shillong, May 21 (IANS) Meghalaya's opposition National People's Party (NPP) Wednesday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and Home Minister Roshan Warjri over the custodial death of a student in an assault case involving 12 women.

Balsan Marak, 20, one of the 10 accused of illegal confinement, kidnapping and torture of 12 women, including a pregnant woman, died at the Tura Civil Hospital in West Garo Hills district. Marak was arrested May 13 and sent to 14 days' judicial custody.

Family members of the dead man asked the government to recommend a CBI probe into the matter.

"It is unfortunate that while an incident of such a serious nature has occurred, the chief minister is camping in Delhi. This shows his complete lack of concern for the people of the State," NPP spokesman James K. Sangma said.

The NPP also demanded the immediate removal of district police chief Mukesh K. Singh.

On May 9, police arrested five women for the illegal confinement, kidnapping and torture of 12 women, who were held captive for eight days at the residence of Jaynie Ningring N. Sangma, leader of the Civil Society Women's Organisation.

Five men were also arrested May 13 on charges of abetment, criminal intimidation of one of the confined women, who is six months pregnant.

Balsan Marak's mother said her son was innocent, and he had no role to play in the case.

All businesses closed for two hours Wednesday evening following a call by several groups condemning the custodial death.