Imphal: Following its recent move to allocate 53 officers to delve into 11 cases connected to the upheaval in Manipur, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) amplified its efforts on Friday. The agency appended an additional 30 officers to the team, emphasizing the gravity and urgency of the situation. The bureau issued directives to the respective branch heads, urging them to promptly relieve these officers for the assignment.
Out of the 11 scrutinized cases, three are particularly distressing, involving allegations of gang rape. Another harrowing incident sees a CRPF assistant commandant being accused of indecently assaulting a 56-year-old woman in public. Furthermore, four cases provide a lens into the larger socio-cultural tensions, as they revolve around mob violence. Three of these incidents feature members of the Meitei community as alleged perpetrators, while one involves the Kuki community.
The order, which underscores the magnitude and importance of this investigation, was issued on August 18. Authored by Deputy Director of CBI headquarters, Anoop T Mathew, the directive stated, “In addition to the earlier assignment of officials as per the directive from August 16, an extra cohort of 30 officials is now entrusted with the task of meticulously investigating the episodes of violence in Manipur. It’s of utmost importance that these officers expediently report to the Joint Director (NE), Ghanshyam Upadhyay.”
Mr. Upadhyay will helm the overarching supervision of this multifaceted investigation, ensuring that every aspect of these cases is thoroughly examined.