The Central Bureau of Investigation on Saturday formally registered an FIR in connection with the case relating to the viral video of two women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur, official sources said.
The probe agency has taken over the FIR registered by the Manipur police in the case and launched its own probe, they said, adding that the action had been taken following the agency receiving a formal notification in this regard.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday had informed the Supreme Court that the CBI would take over the probe in the case.
The government had also said that it had a “zero-tolerance policy” towards crimes against women and requested the Supreme Court to direct the trial to be conducted outside Manipur.
In an affidavit presented by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla to the Supreme Court, the Centre has said the decision to hand over the case to the CBI was made after consulting the Manipur government.
A two-month-old video of two women of Kuki-Zomi community being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur surfaced on the internet on July 19. The incident happened on May 4 in Kangpokpi district, a day after violence broke out in the north-eastern state. The video has sparked huge outrage. The Manipur police have so far apprehended seven accused in the case.
Meanwhile, Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Saturday said she was working to end the hatred and distrust that have strained the relationship between Metei and Kuki communities.
Speaking to reporters after visiting a relief camp in Churachandpur district, Uikey said she has been meeting organisations representing the two communities, and seeking their cooperation to bring back peace and normalcy to the state.
“I have come here for the second time, to share the grief of my brothers and sisters. It is nearly three months that these people are away from their homes. A lot of people lost their homes to arson, and many lost most of their belongings. They don’t have anything left. I came here to see that at least these people do not face any problems at the camp,” she said.
“I have directed the government that the basic amenities must be ensured — from clothes to mosquito repellents. I also got to know that there is a problem of medicines here. They are not getting a lot of things because trucks are not reaching here. Still, necessary arrangements are being made and help is also being extended by Mizoram,” she added.
