CBI Expands Manipur Violence Probe, Investigating 17 Cases; Focus on Crimes Against Women
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to expand its investigation into the violence in Manipur, as officials have announced plans to probe an additional nine cases. This will bring the total number of cases being investigated by the agency to 17. The CBI’s focus will be on crimes against women, and any other case related to crime against women or sexual assault may also be referred to the agency on priority.
Among the cases registered by the CBI so far, eight cases have been filed, including two cases related to alleged sexual assault on women in Manipur. The agency is currently in the process of taking over nine more cases, one of which involves an alleged sexual assault in Churachandpur district.
The CBI’s task is not without its challenges, as Manipur society is divided along ethnic lines. In order to avoid any allegations of bias during the investigation, the agency must ensure that it remains impartial. If any involvement of people from one community is perceived, there is a risk of backlash from the other side.
Sources have revealed that several of the cases being probed by the CBI may attract provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which can be investigated by a high-ranking officer. To ensure proper supervision and monitoring of the investigations, the agency will deploy its superintendents of police.
In an effort to maintain the fairness of the investigation, the CBI will transfer all forensic samples to its Central Forensic Science Laboratory. This step will prevent any questions about the integrity of the investigation that may arise if individuals from either of the two warring communities are involved in the sample collection or investigation process.
To address the crimes against women, the CBI has mobilized women officers in the state. This is a mandatory requirement for recording statements and conducting questioning.
The violence in Manipur began on May 3 with a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in protest against the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Since then, more than 160 people have been killed, and several hundred have been injured in the ongoing conflict. The Meiteis account for approximately 53 percent of Manipur’s population and primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, while the tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 percent of the population and live mostly in the hill districts.
The CBI’s expanded investigation aims to bring justice to the victims and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable. With their focus on crimes against women, the agency is determined to address these heinous acts and provide a safer environment for the people of Manipur.
