Shillong, July 28: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed the Supreme Court that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will take over the investigation into the disturbing viral video of two women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur. The government emphasized its “zero-tolerance policy” towards crimes against women and urged the court to direct that the trial be conducted outside Manipur.
As per a report in India Today, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla presented an affidavit to the Supreme Court, stating that the decision to hand over the case to the CBI was made in consultation with the Manipur government. So far, Manipur Police has arrested seven individuals in connection with the case.
The central government stressed its commitment to delivering justice swiftly, particularly in heinous crimes against women like the one in Manipur. It sought to ensure that the verdict serves as a deterrent for such crimes across the nation.
According to the affidavit, the Manipur government had recommended transferring the investigation to the CBI on May 26, and the MHA approved the recommendation. The formal request was forwarded to the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training on July 27.
In addition to requesting the trial to be conducted outside Manipur, the MHA urged the Supreme Court to pass an order directing the CBI to conclude the trial within six months from the date of filing the chargesheet.