Security personnel stand guard in Dimapur on Friday. (Press Trust of India)
Two days after 35-year-old Syed Sarif Uddin Khan, a rape accused in judicial custody, was dragged out of the Dimapur Central jail in Nagaland by a 5,000-strong mob and lynched, a judicial inquiry has been ordered into the incident. The probe will be headed by a retired Session's judge.
There is a strong suspicion of "complicity of policemen", a top official told NDTV and added "how could the mob identify Khan out of all the prisoners inside the Jail?" A concerned Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had earlier asked the Nagaland Government to institute a judicial probe.
Khan, a small-time trader who dealt in scrap and used motor cars, is accused of raping a Naga girl on February 23. Khan's family, however, has contested the charges and has alleged that medical report does not confirm sexual assault.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister spoke to Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang and has asked him to ensure law and order in the state and take "strict action against the culprits".
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gagoi has also written to the MHA expressing serious concern. It is understood that Mr Gagoi has asked for "adequate security" for Assamese labour working in Nagaland and has also said that such incidents could have serious repercussions in Assam.