Central Government Requests Case Of A Distressing Incident Involving Two Manipuri Women Be Heard Outside The State of Manipur By CBI

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will be entrusted with investigating a distressing incident involving two Manipuri women from the Kuki tribe. They were subjected to a deplorable act of being paraded naked and molested. The Central government, before the Supreme Court, expressed its commitment to eradicating crimes against women and treating such heinous offenses with utmost seriousness. The government assured that justice would be delivered promptly, aiming to create a deterrent effect nationwide. 

To ensure a fair trial, the Central government requested that the case be heard outside the State of Manipur. It urged the apex court to issue appropriate directions for the transfer of the investigation. 

The Supreme Court had taken cognizance of the incident after the video of the appalling act went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. The court had asked for responses from both the Central and State governments regarding the actions taken to apprehend the culprits. 

In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs submitted an affidavit stating that seven suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently in police custody. They are facing charges of rape and murder. 

It is worth noting that the recent clashes and violence in Manipur stem from the disagreement among certain tribes opposing the demand by the majority Meitei community to be granted Scheduled Tribe status. The situation escalated after the Manipur High Court ordered the State government to consider including the Meetei/Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list within a four-week period, leading to clashes between tribal and non-tribal communities. 

The distressing video, showing the two women being paraded naked and molested by a group of men as they moved towards a paddy field, emerged on social media on a previous date. According to sources, the incident occurred on May 4, with the women also reportedly subjected to gang rape by the mob.