A day after a horrific video of two women being paraded naked in Manipur surfaced on the internet, drawing massive condemnation and calls for action, the key accused was arrested on Thursday.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced the news of the arrest through a tweet this morning, adding that his government will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including the possibility of capital punishment.
The accused, identified as Heradas (32), was arrested from Thoubal district with the help of the video that went viral in which he was seen wearing a green T-shirt, the police said.
The video of the horrific incident – reported to have taken place in May in Kangpokpi district – has drawn massive condemnation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Supreme Court.
“What has happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven. The incident is shameful for the country, the guilty will not be spared,” PM Modi said in his remarks before the start of the monsoon session of parliament.
The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, asked the government to take action and also keep the court apprised about the steps being taken to ensure safety of women in the region.
“We are very deeply disturbed about the videos distributed yesterday. We are expressing our deep concern. It is time that the government steps and takes action. This is unacceptable,” DY Chandrachud said.
The government is likely to act against Twitter over the circulation of videos as it “could lead to problems in law and order”, which are not permitted under law, sources said.
The incident took place on May 4, a day after clashes broke out between the valley-majority Meitei and the hill-majority Kuki tribe in Manipur over the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status.
Over 120 have died in the ethnic violence and thousands have been internally displaced and are now living in relief camps.
The Opposition, meanwhile, has demanded that PM Modi make a statement in Parliament on the situation in Manipur. Ten opposition MPs have already moves an adjournment motion over Manipur.