On Monday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet against six individuals and a juvenile in connection with an incident that occurred in Manipur's Kangpokpi district in May, where two tribal women were publicly humiliated by being paraded naked. The incident sparked nationwide outrage after a video of the incident went viral two months later.
The CBI formally charged the six individuals and filed a report concerning one minor who was in conflict with the law before a special CBI court in Guwahati. This action was taken nearly three months after the Manipur Police had made arrests related to the case.
The incident occurred on May 4, 2023, when a mob comprising approximately 900-1,000 individuals, armed with sophisticated weapons, entered the village of B Phainom in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. During the incident, the mob vandalized homes, set properties on fire, looted belongings, physically assaulted villagers, committed murders, and subjected women to sexual assault.
A video capturing the humiliating ordeal of the two women surfaced in July, causing outrage across India and around the world. In response, the Supreme Court intervened, transferring the case to the CBI.
The investigation revealed that the individuals previously arrested by Manipur Police were involved in the incident. Subsequently, the CBI filed the chargesheet on Monday, naming Huirum Herodas and others as the accused.
The investigation remains ongoing, with continued efforts to identify additional individuals involved in the offenses and explore various aspects of the case.
The accused individuals have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to gang rape, murder, outraging the modesty of a woman, and criminal conspiracy, as confirmed by the CBI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his strong disapproval of the video, describing the incident as a disgrace to the 1.4 billion people of India. He assured that the law would take decisive action against those responsible.
The video highlighted the divide between the majority Meitei community and the Kuki tribal group, garnering condemnation from political leaders across party lines. The incident also reverberated during the Monsoon session of Parliament when the video came to light.
The matter even reached the Supreme Court, where a bench led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud expressed deep concern over the video. The bench called upon the Central government and the Manipur government to take immediate action, deeming the incident unacceptable.
The Chief Justice referred to the incident as a grave violation of constitutional and human rights, emphasizing that the court's awareness of the video's date in May had no bearing on the seriousness of the matter.
Since May 3, ethnic clashes have been occurring in Manipur between the Meitei community, concentrated in the Imphal valley, and the Kukis, who primarily reside in the hills.
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