A day after a horrific video of two women being paraded naked in Manipur surfaced on the internet, the key accused was arrested on Thursday. “A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment,” Chief Minister N Biren Singh said while announcing the first arrest in the case.
My hearts go out to the two women who were subjected to a deeply disrespectful and inhumane act, as shown in the distressing video that surfaced yesterday. After taking a Suo-moto cognisance of the incident immediately after the video surfaced, the Manipur Police swung to action…
– N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) July 20, 2023
The accused, identified as Heradas (32), was arrested from Thoubal district with the help of the video that went viral in which he was seen wearing a green T-shirt, the police said.
In the video that has triggered massive condemnation and demands for action, two women were paraded naked by a mob, molested and dragged to a field, where they were allegedly gang-raped.
The video of the horrific incident – reported to have taken place on May 4 in Kangpokpi district – has drawn massive condemnation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Supreme Court.
“What has happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven. The incident is shameful for the country, the guilty will not be spared,” PM Modi said in his remarks before the start of the monsoon session of parliament.
The incident took place on May 4, a day after clashes broke out between the valley-majority Meitei and the hill-majority Kuki tribe in Manipur over the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status.
Over 120 have died in the ethnic violence and thousands have been internally displaced and are now living in relief camps.
The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, has asked the government to take action and also keep the court apprised about the steps being taken to ensure safety of women in the region.
“We are very deeply disturbed about the videos distributed yesterday. We are expressing our deep concern. It is time that the government steps and takes action. This is unacceptable,” DY Chandrachud said.
“We are of the view that court must be apprised of the steps taken by the government so that perpetrators are booked for such violence. What is portrayed in the media and visuals which appeared shows gross constitutional violation,” the chief justice said.
