Manipur sexual violence: Fifth accused arrested in viral video case

The Manipur police have arrested one more person in connection with the horrific case of two women being paraded naked in the violence-hit state. The accused has been identified as Yumlembam Nungsithoi Meitei, a 19-year-old. A total of five persons were arrested so far relating to the incident.

A massive manhunt had begun to track down the suspects who could be seen in the viral video that was released on Wednesday.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that he is personally monitoring the search operations. A massive outrage was triggered across the country after the video went viral. Peaceful sit-in protests and demonstrations took place nation-wide demanding punishment for the culprits.

The situation is still tense in Manipur with many protesting against the violence. Reportedly, locals said that there were other incidents of rape amid violence and no arrests were made relating to it so far. 

Four persons, including the main culprit was arrested in connection with the horrific incident on Thursday. The main accused, Huirem Heradash Meitei's house was set on fire by the women of Petchi village.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday said that the only way forward in Manipur was to sack Chief Minister Biren Singh and impose President's rule in the state.

The horrific incident happened on May 4 in Kangpokpi district. After the video surfaced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said "Today, when I am standing by this temple of democracy my heart is full of pain and anger...I want to assure the countrymen that no guilty will be spared. Law will act with its full might and firmness... What has happened to these daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven.”

According to a statement released by the state, 126 checkpoints were set up in different districts, in both the hills and the valley, and police detained 413 people for violations.

"We are condemning it state-wide, both in valley and hills. The people of the state regard women as mothers. Some miscreants tarnished our image by doing this," said Singh. The CM was speaking while he was taking part in a protest in Heingang Assembly constituency organised in condemnation over the viral videos.

It is "crime against humanity", said Biren.

Police are still searching for the others involved in the act. 

All the accused have been sent to police custody for 11 days for further investigation on Friday. Over 100 lives were lost since the clashes broke out in the state in May.