Back-to-back arrests have been a day after the gruesome video from May 4 went viral showing two Kuki-Zo tribal women being paraded naked in Manipur. A total of four persons have been arrested in connection to the incident. Addressing a press conference this evening following the second arrest, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said it was a crime against humanity. "I have just got the news that another person has been arrested in connection with the incident. Interrogation is going on," he said. Manipur Police made the first arrest in the case this morning after taking a Suo-motu cognisance of the incident.
"We will not spare anyone. All the legislators of the ruling BJP condemn the incident in the strongest possible terms. Will give exemplary punishment to all those involved, even go to the extent of seeking capital punishment," Singh added.
Two more persons were arrested subsequently, the Manipur Police announced. "One cadre of People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) Pro namely Md Ibungo alias Abdul Hilim (38) of Imphal East was arrested by Imphal East District Police. A total of three main accused of the heinous crime of abduction and gangrape under Nongpok Sekmai PS, Thoubal District have been arrested today," the police said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Earlier in the day, Singh tweeted that the police had swung into action and a thorough investigation was underway.
Officials said several police teams were formed immediately after the video of the incident surfaced. One of the people, alleged to be the mastermind, was arrested from Thoubal district, officials said. The accused was prominently seen in the 26-second clip. His name was released and the person was identified as Huirem Heradash Singh. A manhunt has been launched to nab others.
Manipur CM Biren Singh said the state government is considering capital punishment for the accused. "We saw the video and I felt so bad, it's a crime against humanity. I immediately ordered the police to arrest the culprits and the state govt will try to ensure capital punishment for the accused. Every human being should condemn it," he said. He further said that mass combing operation has started in the suspected areas and cybercrime has been asked to verify the authenticity of the video.
Manipur police earlier issued a statement on Wednesday saying a case of abduction, gang rape and murder has been registered at Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district against unknown armed miscreants and that all-out efforts were on to arrest the culprits at the earliest.
The incident took place in Kangpokpi district after B Phainom village was burnt down on May 4, just a day after ethnic violence erupted in the state. The men were seen constantly molesting the helpless women as they cried and pleaded with their captors, a spokesperson of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) told PTI.
