Key accused of women paraded naked in Manipur arrested

A shocking incident of naked parading and groping of two women in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on May 4 has drawn widespread outrage and condemnation across the country.
The key accused, identified as Heradas (32), was arrested by the police after the disturbing video went viral on social media.
The horrifying incident came to light when a video depicting the gruesome act surfaced on the internet, leaving the nation in suspense. In the footage, a mob of 800-1,000 people, suspected to be members of the Meitei organizations, entered the village of B Phainom with sophisticated weapons.
They ransacked and looted property, set houses on fire, and launched an attack that sent five villagers fleeing into the forest in a desperate attempt to find safety.
One of the escapees was killed on the spot by the mob. Three women who were with him were kidnapped and subjected to unspeakably brutal ordeals.
They were forcibly stripped and dragged to a paddy field, where one of them, a 19-year-old girl, was gang-raped by the assailants.
In a valiant attempt to save his sister, the other man tries to intervene but is murdered in cold blood by the mob.
Taking this incident very seriously, the Manipur Police has registered a case of kidnapping, gang rape and murder. Union Minister Smriti Irani expressed her deep concern over the “downright inhumane” act and assured that no stone will be left unturned to bring the culprits to justice.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh took personal notice of the video and ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.
The video, which sparked outrage across the country, was also strongly condemned by the opposition, which called for an all-party delegation to be dispatched to Manipur without delay.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, in response, condemned the horrific incident, revealing that the victims belonged to the Kuki-Zo tribe, while the perpetrators were Meiteis.
An FIR lodged at Saikul police station by 65-year-old village chiefThangboi Vaiphei of Bi Phainom village claims that a third woman was gang-raped by the mob during the same incident. The case has been registered under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh promised swift action against the culprits, stressing that it was a “crime against humanity”. He urged the police to leave no stone unturned in arresting all the involved persons and strict action would be taken in case of any negligence on the part of the police officers in the investigation.