Guwahati: A 21-year-old Shillong resident wanted in connection with a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) and rape case surrendered before police at Laitumkhrah Police Station on Thursday and was subsequently arrested, East Khasi Hills Police said.
The accused, identified as Jonathan Lalhmingthaa Pachau, surrendered before the officer in charge of Laitumkhrah Police Station. Police said he has been booked in Laitumkhrah PS Case No. 100/2026 under Sections 3, 4, 11 and 12 of the POCSO Act and in PS Case No. 94/2026 under Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He will be produced before the court.
The arrest comes days after Meghalaya Police issued an all-India lookout notice against Pachau and constituted a special investigation team to trace him. Police had also coordinated with Mizoram Police following information that he may have fled the state.
The investigation is continuing, with police recording statements from additional complainants who have come forward. Investigators had earlier confirmed that the statement of the first complainant, along with digital evidence, had already been recorded.
Police said they are also examining information suggesting there may be more victims linked to the case. Those who have contacted the police are being asked to formally record their statements and lodge FIRs where applicable.
Officials urged the public not to treat allegations circulating on social media as established facts, stating that the authenticity of online claims is being verified as part of the investigation. A chargesheet will be filed after the probe is completed.
The case came to light after photographs of the accused, along with unverified allegations circulated widely on social media, drew public attention. The posts alleged that multiple young women had been sexually assaulted by the accused over a period of time.
Police had earlier maintained that only one formal FIR had been registered at Laitumkhrah Police Station on July 7 and appealed to any other alleged victims to approach the police and file complaints.
Authorities had declared Pachau absconding and launched efforts to trace him before his surrender on Thursday.