New Delhi, Aug 17: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has undertaken a significant mobilization effort, deploying 53 officers, including 29 women, from units across the country to investigate cases of violence in Manipur. The move marks a major step in the pursuit of justice and accountability, with the team being entrusted to probe various incidents of violence and unrest that have shaken the region.
This deployment, featuring a noteworthy number of women officers, is a unique initiative aimed at ensuring a diverse and sensitive approach to investigating these cases. Among the team, three Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) – Lovely Katiyar, Nirmala Devi, and Mohit Gupta – alongside Superintendent of Police Rajveer will report to Joint Director Ghanshyam Upadhyay, who will oversee the entire investigation.
The mobilization is groundbreaking in its inclusion of a significant number of women officers, reflecting an increasingly inclusive approach within law enforcement agencies. This marks a departure from conventional practices and underscores the importance of diverse perspectives and skills in resolving complex issues.
Also Read: Small Tea Growers in Assam Advocate Ban on Arunachal Pradesh’s Green Tea Leaves
The cases being investigated by the CBI are of serious concern, some of which may involve violations under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. These cases require thorough and impartial scrutiny, and the involvement of capable and diverse officers is vital.
The team also includes two Additional Superintendents of Police and six Deputy Superintendents of Police, all women. To ensure the impartiality and quality of the investigations, the CBI has appointed three DIGs and one SP to supervise and monitor the progress of the probes. Moreover, 16 inspectors and 10 sub-inspectors will contribute to the team’s efforts, ensuring a well-rounded investigative approach.
In the context of such a large-scale investigation, the involvement of local officers could raise concerns about bias. To avoid such perceptions, the CBI has endeavored to minimize the role of local officers and has taken proactive measures to ensure the integrity of the investigations.
The CBI has already initiated proceedings in eight cases, including incidents such as the stripping and parading of women by a mob on May 4, which garnered widespread attention after a video surfaced on social media. The agency is poised to delve into nine more cases related to the Manipur violence, bringing the total number of cases under its investigation to 17.
Notably, the CBI’s involvement is not restricted to these 17 cases alone. Any other cases involving crimes against women or sexual assault could also be referred to the agency for investigation on a priority basis.
As part of its investigations, the CBI will transfer all forensic samples to its Central Forensic Science Laboratory based in the national capital. This move ensures a standardized and rigorous analysis of the evidence, contributing to the credibility of the investigative process.
The violence in Manipur has left over 160 people dead and hundreds injured. The turmoil began on May 3, triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. With Manipur’s society divided along ethnic lines, the CBI faces the challenging task of conducting an impartial investigation that addresses concerns of bias and ensures justice for all parties involved.
