Authorities in Manipur have ordered an investigation into a troubling incident involving a school sports team from Rajasthan. The team traveled to Manipur to compete in the National School Games but faced an alleged extortion attempt by an armed group.
Incident Details and Social Media Revelation
The alleged extortion occurred on January 13. A 52-member team of boys and girls from Rajasthan was traveling by bus from Dimapur in Nagaland to Imphal, the capital of Manipur. During this journey, an armed group reportedly stopped the bus and demanded money from the team.
Officials confirmed the incident on Monday. Interestingly, the team management did not file any formal complaint about the extortion. The matter only came to public attention after the father of one player posted allegations on social media earlier that day.
Team Participation and Departure
The Rajasthan team participated in the Wushu event at the National School Games. Wushu is a Chinese martial art that features prominently in such competitions. After completing their events, the team left Manipur early on Monday morning.
Their departure happened without any official complaint being lodged with local authorities. This lack of formal reporting initially kept the incident under wraps until social media brought it to light.
Official Response and Investigation
Manipur officials have taken the allegations seriously despite the absence of a formal complaint. They have ordered a thorough investigation into the extortion claims. The probe aims to verify the facts and identify those responsible for the alleged crime.
This incident highlights security concerns for visiting sports teams in the region. It also raises questions about why the team management chose not to report the matter officially. The investigation will likely examine these aspects while seeking justice for the young athletes.
The National School Games represent a major platform for student athletes across India. Such incidents could potentially discourage participation and affect the spirit of sportsmanship that these games promote.
