CBI To Probe Manipur Video Case, Centre Seeks Trials Outside State

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will be conducting an investigation into the horrifying video from Manipur, which depicted two women being paraded naked by a mob.

The Union Home Ministry has referred the case to the CBI following nationwide outrage and a significant political confrontation with the united opposition.

In addition, the government aims to hold the trial outside of Manipur, where violence has been prevalent for the past three months.

As of Monday (24 July), seven individuals have already been arrested in connection with the case, with the most recent arrest taking place in Thoubal district.

According to the affidavit, multiple police teams have been formed to carry out mass operations at various locations in order to apprehend the identified culprits. An Additional SP rank officer has been assigned to investigate the case, under the constant supervision of other senior police officials.

The Centre has emphasised the importance of conducting the trial in a time-bound manner.

The Central Government has adopted a zero tolerance approach towards crimes against women, according to statements. It has also been further communicated that they view offences like the one in question as extremely heinous and believe that they should be taken seriously.

Ahead of the monsoon session of parliament, the video from Manipur caused uproar in the house. The opposition demanded a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in response to the video.

The opposition also initiated a no-confidence motion against the government, which has been accepted by Speaker Om Birla. Members of the opposition INDIA front have also said that they will be visiting Manipur over the weekend to assess the situation.

According to sources, the government is expected to seek cooperation for the Manipur discussion following the acceptance of the no-confidence motion.

Notably, previously, in the cases of major violence in Manipur in 1993 and 1997, no statement was made by the then Prime Ministers in parliament, while in the one instance, a statement was made by the junior home minister.

The violence in Manipur also gained some international attention, with the European Parliament adopting a resolution on the human rights situation in India, specifically addressing the recent clashes in Manipur.

In response, the government had clarified that the situation in Manipur was an internal matter, pointing out the European Parliament's dubious resolution as reflecting a "colonial mindset" and deeming them unacceptable.