GUWAHATI: In a detailed charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), it was revealed that just before two women were paraded naked and sexually assaulted by a mob in Manipur's Thoubal district, they had sought refuge inside a police car. However, the police driver allegedly claimed there was "no key," leaving them to the mercy of the violent mob. This incident occurred on May 3 in Churachandpur and became widely publicised following the release of a viral video in July 2023.
The CBI investigation into the incident has unearthed the chaotic and violent circumstances surrounding the assault. According to the charge sheet, the mob eventually overpowered the victims, including two other male victims who were also in the police car. As the mob pulled the victims out of the vehicle, the police officers on-site fled the scene, abandoning the victims to face the crowd of nearly 1,000 people.
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The charge sheet was filed against six accused and a juvenile before a special court in Guwahati in October. The accused face various charges of gang rape, murder, outraging the modesty of a woman, and criminal conspiracy, among others, under the Indian Penal Code.
The violent mob attacked several villages, burning down churches and homes. The investigation revealed that even after an emergency meeting of village heads from both the communities, where it was decided to maintain peace, violence erupted with mobs targeting villages. One of the groups found refuge in a nearby forest, but their hiding spot was discovered, leading to their capture and eventual assault.
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The CBI's charge sheet states that the police driver drove the vehicle into a dangerous mob, despite knowing the risks. After the mob began shaking the vehicle, the police abandoned it, allowing the mob to take control.
The Manipur government's DGP, Rajiv Singh, acknowledged departmental action had been taken against the police officers involved but deferred to the CBI for further details on criminal charges. The charge sheet noted that the accused were arrested by Manipur police in July, shortly after the video depicting the assault went viral and sparked nationwide outrage.