SHILLONG, May 16: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) and the Garo Students’ Union (GSU) have called for an independent judicial inquiry into the alleged suicide of Abiel Salchiana Ch Marak, a nursing student at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal. CoMSO chairman Roy Kupar Synrem emphasized that the sudden and unexplained death of the young woman raises significant legal and moral concerns. He suggested that she may have experienced mental harassment, academic pressure, discriminatory treatment, and potential failures in the institution’s support systems for psychological and emotional well-being. Synrem stressed that without a transparent and impartial inquiry, this tragic incident risks being reduced to mere statistics, representing a severe miscarriage of justice.
To ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Marak’s death, Synrem proposed the establishment of an independent judicial commission led by either a sitting or retired High Court judge with expertise in legal, forensic, and psychological matters. Such an inquiry would not only identify the true causes of the tragic event but also safeguard the rights of witnesses and whistleblowers. This would include confidentiality protections, legal representation, and guarantees against any retaliation from the institution.
In line with these concerns, GSU president Tengsak G Momin echoed the calls for a judicial inquiry into the alleged suicide, highlighting the need for witness protection for students and staff willing to testify. The GSU urged full cooperation from RIMS administration during the investigation and advocated for the suspension of individuals found complicit in any wrongdoing while the inquiry is conducted. Furthermore, the Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress has expressed its support for the GSU’s demands for an independent judicial inquiry, advocating for transparency to uncover the truth surrounding the death of the 21-year-old student.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/05/17/rims-suicide-case-demand-for-judicial-inquiry/
Category: MEGHALAYA
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-05-17 04:00:00
