Arunachal: Parents stage protest at Mebo School over warden’s alleged sexual assault on student

Tension gripped Sanggo Residential School in Mebo, East Siang district, after parents of students gathered at the school gate on October 30, demanding stringent action against the hostel warden accused of sexually molesting a student. 

Police personnel from Mebo Police Station visited the school and have launched an investigation into the incident.

Police have arrested Hen Johnson Vaiphei (32), son of Khama Vaiphei, a resident of Manipur, for allegedly sexually molesting minor boys at Sanggo Residential School, Mebo.

According to East Siang IPS Pankaj Lamba, a case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, bearing WPS/PSG/No-26/25 u/s Sec 4(2)/6, and the accused was taken into custody following complaints lodged by the victims’ parents and school authorities. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the warden had been engaging in inappropriate behaviour with students over a period of time.

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The shocking allegation has triggered widespread outrage, prompting the Adi Baane Kébang Youth Wing (ABKYW) to issue a strong condemnation of the alleged act. The youth wing described the incident as “inhuman and deplorable,” stating that such acts against innocent children represent “a gross violation of moral, ethical, and human values that our society upholds.”

In a statement, ABKYW demanded that the investigation be fast-tracked and that the accused be given the harshest punishment under the POCSO Act and relevant IPC sections to ensure justice for the victims.

The organisation also called upon all educational institutions, hostel authorities, and school management committees across Adi-inhabited districts to strengthen child safety measures, including regular monitoring of hostel staff, awareness programs for students, and strict adherence to child protection protocols.

To oversee the case and create awareness on child safety across Adi areas, the ABKYW has constituted a special committee.

The ABK Youth Wing reaffirmed its commitment to ensure zero tolerance for child abuse and vowed to continue efforts toward creating a safe and secure environment for every child in Arunachal Pradesh.