Manipur Unrest: The investigation into an alleged rape in Manipur's Thoubal district, in which three women were stripped naked and paraded, has been taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
A video of the incident went viral on social media on July 19, prompting significant outrage.
The disturbing video saw two ladies from different communities in the state being ruthlessly abused by individuals. The victims cried and screamed for mercy on the video, causing outrage and criticism.
The CBI has registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the IT Act in reaction to this terrible crime, encompassing allegations of murder, gang rape, outraging modesty, and criminal assault.
The matter was reported to the CBI by the Union Home Ministry, which was already investigating six other incidences of violence in Manipur.
On May 18, the state police filed a case against unidentified armed men for kidnapping, gang rape, and murder at the Nongpok Sekmai police station in the Thoubal region.
As is standard procedure, the CBI has taken over the FIR made by the Manipur Police and is investigating it as its own investigation.
The case has been assigned to the agency's Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is led by a DIG-level official. Furthermore, the CBI will dispatch additional female officials and forensic experts to assist with the investigation.
The incident occurred on May 4 in Kangpokpi district and brought to light the plight of Manipur's tribals just days before a scheduled protest march coordinated by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF).
Given its track record in handling such delicate situations, the CBI's involvement in this case is likely to bring a more thorough and unbiased examination.
The nation is watching with bated breath as justice is served to the victims and perpetrators of this horrible atrocity.
As the investigation continues, authorities hope that the CBI's cooperation will provide a fair and fast resolution to the case, bringing some solace to the victims and their families and setting a precedent for future similar heinous crimes.