In response to the shocking video depicting the horrifying incident of two women being paraded naked in strife-torn Manipur, the Indian government has taken swift action to ensure justice and accountability. The Supreme Court, expressing deep concern over the disturbing visuals, has been approached by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive and time-bound investigation.
The heinous crime, which has drawn nationwide outrage, prompted the centre to underscore its “zero tolerance towards any crimes against women” in a constitutional democracy. A total of seven people have been arrested in connection with the incident so far.
Here are the key points conveyed by the centre to the Supreme Court:
1. Trial Transfer Request: The MHA has requested the Supreme Court to transfer the trial of the case to another state to ensure an impartial and expeditious legal process. By doing so, the government aims to guarantee that justice is served promptly and in a time-bound manner.
2. Zero Tolerance for Crimes Against Women: The central government has unequivocally expressed its zero-tolerance stance towards crimes targeting women. The present case, considered exceedingly heinous, deserves utmost seriousness, and the pursuit of justice is not just a necessity but also vital to act as a deterrent against such offenses throughout the nation.
3. Time-Bound Trial: The centre has urged the Supreme Court to issue an order directing the CBI to conclude the trial within six months from the date of filing the chargesheet. This approach is intended to ensure that the legal proceedings are conducted efficiently and promptly to deliver justice to the victims and their families.
4. Mental Health Support: Recognizing the traumatic impact of such incidents on survivors, the Manipur government has taken steps to establish district psychological support teams. These teams are tasked with providing essential mental health interventions to those affected, particularly in relief camps where victims might be seeking shelter and support.
5. Intensive Investigation: In a bid to swiftly apprehend all those involved, several police teams have been deployed to different locations to arrest the suspects identified thus far. The investigation is under the guidance of an additional Superintendent of Police (SP), who is overseeing the process with the support of other senior officials.
The video of the incident, which came to light recently, has sparked outrage across the nation, with citizens and activists demanding justice for the victims and stringent punishment for the perpetrators. Such heinous crimes against women underscore the urgency for robust measures to protect women’s rights and safety.
The transfer of the case to the CBI demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring an impartial and thorough investigation. With the emphasis on a time-bound trial, it is hoped that justice will be delivered swiftly, bringing solace to the victims and serving as a strong deterrent against any future crimes of this nature.
As the nation awaits the completion of the investigation and the commencement of the trial, the focus remains on upholding the principles of justice and safeguarding the dignity and security of every citizen, especially women, in our society.
