Manipur Sex Assault : CBI Takes Over Probe

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the case of an alleged assault in Manipur, following a reference from the Union Home Ministry.

This decision comes as the CBI was already investigating six other cases related to violence in the state. The initial FIR registered by the Manipur Police, which reported a case of abduction, gang rape, and murder against unidentified armed individuals at Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district on May 18, has now become the CBI’s responsibility.

To conduct a thorough investigation, the CBI has stationed its Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Manipur, led by a DIG-rank officer. The agency is also planning to deploy additional women officers and forensic experts for the probe.

The case came to public attention when a video depicting a horrifying scene of men molesting helpless women in Kangpokpi district on May 4 surfaced on social media. The victim’s identity was revealed in the shared video, making the situation even more distressing.

The incident sparked outrage, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud expressing deep anguish and condemning the act as “shameful” and “unacceptable.”

The violence in Manipur has been escalating since May 3, mainly between the Meitei community concentrated in the Imphal valley and the Kukis residing in the hills. This ongoing ethnic clash has resulted in the loss of over 150 lives. Manipur’s population consists of approximately 53 percent Meiteis in the valley and 40 percent tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, in the hill districts.