Centre Entrusts Manipur Sexual Violence Video Case With CBI; Requests Supreme Court To Transfer Trial To Any Other State

The Government of India, in response to the distressing incident involving the video of two women in Manipur being paraded naked and subjected to sexual violence amidst the ethnic conflict in the State, has decided to entrust the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with the investigation in the matter. The step has been taken with the consent of the State Government of Manipur considering the gravity of the offence.

In a recent affidavit filed in the matter, the Union Government has also requested the Supreme Court to transfer the trial out of the State of Manipur to any other State. The Centre has also sought a direction to complete the trial within six months of filing the chargesheet.

Saying that it has "zero tolerance towards crimes against women", the Government stated in its affidavit that several remedial measures have been taken to support the victims. 

As per the affidavit filed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the State has informed the Centre that seven persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. On July 26, the State decided to recommend CBI investigation and a decision to that effect has been taken by the Centre.

The MHA further said that district psychological support teams have been established to provide mental health intervention at relief camps, and an all-women team of specialists is assisting the victims. The victims are receiving medical treatment in a comfortable environment, and legal aid is being offered through the district legal service authority.The affidavit adds–

"Legal aid has also been offered to the victim to district legal service authority. The state government has formulated rehabilitative measures for the victims, including counselling from a trained professional, shelter at a place of choice meeting secrecy and security, arrangement for education in case of willingness to pursue education, assistance with meaningful livelihood, adequate provisions for vocational training and suitable job to the victim and the next of kin subject to the willingness and suitability."

While acknowledging that law and order matters fall under the jurisdiction of the state government, the Central government has stated that it is closely monitoring the proceedings to expedite the process of justice. They are providing necessary assistance to ensure security and have put in place measures for a swift investigation, rehabilitation, and remedial action. The government is also actively engaging in various interventionist measures, using media and political processes to address the escalating inter-ethnic clashes in the region.

To prevent the recurrence of such incidents, the government has made it mandatory for police stations to report all such cases to the Director-General of Police. They are also offering suitable rewards for reporting such incidents and providing information, ensuring the anonymity of whistleblowers.

In response to the prevailing situation, the government has deployed additional companies of CRPF and columns of the Army/Assam Rifles in Manipur, in coordination with the local police. As of now, 13,782 individuals have been detained/bound for violating curfew and other laws.

On July 20, 2023, the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the distressing incident and had asked the Centre and the State Government to inform it of the steps taken to bring the perpetrators into law. 

"We will give a little time for government to take action otherwise we will step in", CJI DY Chandrachud had warned after asking details of the action taken by the authorities since May to book the criminals. 

The matter will be considered by the Supreme Court tomorrow.