Manipur violence: SC stops CBI from recording statements of tribal women victims
Manipur viral video case: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to put on hold the recording of the statement of the tribal women victims in the Manipur viral video case till it hears the main case today.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to convey to the CBI to await the outcome of today's hearing.
The apex court asked the CBI to wait for further order before going ahead with the recording of the statement after an advocate Nizam Pasha appearing for the Kuki side informed the court that CBI was on its way to record the statement at noon today.
"Ask the CBI to wait till the outcome of today's hearing," the CJI said.
Solicitor General said it was done in good faith but he will convey to the CBI to refrain from recording the statement.
On Monday, the top court post indicated setting up a panel to record the statements of the survivors and a Special Investigation Team to probe the case.
The women victims have also filed a plea in the top court yesterday against the CBI probe into their case and sought security for them and also prayed for a direction to record their statement under Section 164 of CrPC by the nearest area magistrate.
The distressing footage from Manipur which shows two women being paraded naked by a mob, subjected to molestation, and dragged to a field where they were allegedly gang-raped sparked widespread national concern.
Manipur has been witnessing violence since May 3, following the protests by the Kuki and Naga communities against the High Court's order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). Only STs can buy lands in hilly areas.
The majority Meitei community, which occupies the Imphal valley and nearby areas, sought the ST status keeping in view their increasing population and increased requirement of land so that they could purchase lands in the hilly areas.
The distressing footage from Manipur which shows two women being paraded naked by a mob, subjected to molestation, and dragged to a field where they were allegedly gang-raped sparked widespread national concern.
- ANI
