New Delhi: Days after a shocking video of two women being paraded naked in Manipur surfaced on social media, another horrific case of rape and torture has been reported in the violence-hit northeastern state. The incident came to light after the survivor, a 37-year-old married woman, filed a police case, reported news agency IANS.
As per the report, the crime took place on May 3, the day ethnic violence erupted in the northeastern state.
The victim, who is currently living in a relief camp, said that the incident occurred when she, her family members and neighbours were trying to flee from their homes after a mob attacked and burnt down their houses in Churachandpur, one of the worst-hit districts in Manipur.
In her complaint, the victim said, “Five-six people got hold of me and started verbally abusing and assaulting me. Despite my resistance, I was forcefully pinned down," reported IANS.
"After this, they started sexually assaulting me... They inserted their fingers into my private part in a violent manner. There was no help coming from anybody despite my cries for help," the complaint stated.
"Thereafter, some more men joined them. At that time, I lost consciousness. Later, when I regained my senses, I found myself in a house surrounded by some Meitei people,” it added.
According to IANS, the woman from Churachandpur district filed the FIR and a separate detailed complaint at the Bishnupur women's police station on Thursday, giving details of the horrific incident.
A medical examination of the victim was conducted after the registration of the FIR.
According to Imphal police, the women's police station in Bishnupur has forwarded the case to Churachandpur police station for further investigation.
“I carried my niece on my back and also held my two sons and started running from the spot along with my sister-in-law. She was also carrying a baby on her back and running ahead of me," the complaint said, according to IANS.
"Then I stumbled and fell down on the road and was unable to get up after running about half a kilometre from my home. My sister-in-law came back running towards me and picked up my niece from my back and ran along with my two sons,” it added.
The victim also said that she did not disclose the incident earlier to save herself and her family's honour and dignity, and to safeguard themselves from social ostracism.
“Now, I have decided to come forward and file this complaint since I started realising the trauma and suffering that I went through because of the heinous crimes committed against me without any fault of mine. Adequate punishment should be given to the culprits for sexually and physically assaulting me in the most horrific manner.
"So, I am disclosing my ordeal and all the facts since I feel morally obliged to report this ghastly crime,” the woman stated.