SHILLONG, April 29 -- Meghalaya police have apprehended at least nine individuals in connection with alleged gang rape of two minors at the annual Chenga Benga Mela in the South West Garo Hills (SWGH) district of the state on April 16.

SP of South West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya, Vikash Kumar, confirmed the arrests in a statement, stating, "A cognisable case has been registered and is under investigation, based on information pertaining to the alleged abduction, criminal intimidation, assault, and gang rape of minors at Chenga Benga Mela on April 16."

The statement said, "Incriminating evidence was collected from the crime scene, and the arrests were made based on the survivors' statements, medical examination reports, and other e...