LI Network
Published on: 22 July 2023 at 14:22 IST
The Manipur Police made another breakthrough in the viral video case that shocked the nation, as they apprehended the fifth accused on Saturday. The video, which emerged just a few days ago, depicted the horrifying spectacle of two women being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Manipur. This recent arrest adds to the ongoing efforts of the authorities to bring all the culprits to justice.
Yesterday, four individuals who were arrested on July 20 appeared before the court and were subsequently remanded to 11-day police custody. As the investigation continues, the police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their quest to capture the remaining suspects, conducting raids at several suspected hideouts.
The incident in question took place on May 4 in Manipur’s Thoubal district. It has been registered as a case of abduction, gangrape, and murder, and has drawn widespread condemnation from various sections of society.
The context surrounding this tragedy is linked to the simmering tensions in Manipur since May 3, sparked by protests by the Kuki and Naga communities. These protests were in response to the High Court’s order, which urged the state government to consider including the Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Only members of the ST category are allowed to purchase land in hilly areas. The Meitei community, who predominantly reside in the Imphal valley and surrounding regions, sought ST status due to their growing population and increased need for land.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, while addressing the issue, stated that his primary responsibility is to restore peace in the state and ensure that all those involved in the alleged incident depicted in the viral video face the consequences of their actions. He also mentioned the ongoing statewide protests, emphasizing that the people of Manipur hold women in the highest regard and abhor any form of crime against them.
The video itself was leaked after 40 days from the date of the incident, and the Chief Minister promptly ordered a thorough combing operation to track down the accused. One of the suspects was arrested on the night the video came to light.
As the investigation proceeds, the government is committed to taking strict action against all perpetrators involved in this heinous crime, and there have even been discussions about the possibility of pressing for the death penalty for the guilty parties.