The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against six individuals and a juvenile in connection with the shocking incident in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, where two tribal women were paraded naked in May. This incident had sparked nationwide outrage when a video of the ordeal went viral two months later.
The CBI submitted the charge sheet against six accused individuals and filed a report concerning one minor in conflict with the law before a special CBI court in Guwahati. Notably, this comes almost three months after Manipur Police had made initial arrests in the case.
The horrifying incident occurred on May 4, 2023, when a mob of approximately 900 to 1,000 individuals, armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded B Phainom village in Kangpokpi district, Manipur. They unleashed a wave of destruction by vandalizing homes, setting properties ablaze, looting, assaulting villagers, committing murders, and sexually assaulting women. A video of the two women being paraded naked came to light in July, resulting in widespread condemnation both within India and on the global stage. Subsequently, the Supreme Court intervened and handed over the case to the CBI.
Tragically, it was also reported that two family members of one of the women who were paraded naked lost their lives during the incident.
The ongoing CBI investigation has revealed that the individuals previously arrested by Manipur Police were indeed involved in the heinous incident. Consequently, on Monday, the charge sheet was formally filed against the primary accused, including Huirum Herodas and others.
The investigation is ongoing, with efforts continuing to identify any other individuals involved in the offenses and exploring various aspects of the case.
The accused have been charged under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, encompassing charges related to gangrape, murder, outraging the modesty of a woman, and criminal conspiracy, according to the CBI.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for justice and accountability in the face of such horrific acts, and the nation watches closely as the legal proceedings unfold.
