A special CBI court in Guwahati has taken a crucial step towards justice in one of the most shocking incidents of Manipur's ethnic conflict. The court has formally framed charges against six men and ordered their trial for a brutal crime that involved the public parading of three naked women, the gang-rape of two of them, and the murder of two relatives.
Court Orders Trial, Accused Plead Not Guilty
This case, stemming from the horrific events of May 4, 2023, is the first among those investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Manipur violence to proceed to the trial stage. Special judge Chatra Bhukhan Gogoi ruled last Friday that all six accused "be tried by this court".
The accused, appearing via video-conference from Manipur, entered pleas of not guilty after the charges were read out and explained to them. CBI prosecutor Swayamjeet Sharma informed the court that the investigation had gathered sufficient material, establishing a strong prima facie case against the accused. Defence lawyers, however, contested this, arguing that the evidence did not support framing charges for all the offences listed in the chargesheet.
Accused to be Physically Produced in Guwahati
The court has issued specific orders regarding the physical presence of the accused. Four of the men – Huirem Herodash Meitei, Ningombam Tomba Singh alias Tomthin, Yumlembam Jiban Singh alias Naocha alias Sana, and Pukhrihongbam Suranjoy Meitei – are currently lodged at Manipur central jail in Sajiwa. They are to be shifted to Guwahati for physical production and for signing the charge documents on January 16.
The other two accused – Arun Khundongbam alias Nanao and Nameirakpam Kiran Meitei, who are out on bail – have been directed to appear in person in court on the same date "without fail". The judge emphasized that since the identification of the accused during the trial is a key issue, their physical production is necessary for the convenience and fairness of the proceedings.
Serious Charges Under Multiple Acts
The charges framed by the court are extensive and severe, reflecting the gravity of the crimes. They include:
- Promoting enmity between the Kuki and Meitei communities.
- Molestation and sexual assault.
- Gang rape and physical assault.
- Criminal conspiracy.
- Violations under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- Damage and looting of property.
This case represents a significant development in the legal response to the Manipur violence. The CBI has taken over 27 First Information Reports (FIRs) linked to the unrest. These include 19 cases involving crimes against women, three armoury loot cases, two murders, and one case each of rioting, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy. The progression of this particular case to trial is being closely watched as a test of the judicial process in delivering justice for the victims of the ethnic strife.
