“Government Transfers Manipur Paraded Naked Women Case to CBI, Urges Trial Outside State for Speedy Justice” In a significant move, the Indian government has handed over the investigation of the case involving two women who were paraded naked in Manipur to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) made this decision and filed an affidavit through its Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, affirming the government’s “zero tolerance towards any crimes against women”. The distressing details of the sexual assault on the two women came to light when a video of the incident was leaked last week. The incident deeply disturbed the Supreme Court, which took note of the matter and demanded immediate action from the Centre and the Manipur government to provide remedial, rehabilitative, and preventive measures. As part of its response, the Centre emphasized the need for a speedy investigation and trial. It urged the top court to transfer the entire case, including the trial, outside the state of Manipur. The government believes that conducting the trial outside the state will lead to a time-bound conclusion, enhancing the prospects of justice. The affidavit also revealed that the Manipur government had already made significant progress in the case, with seven main accused arrested and in police custody for further examination. The authorities had also formed police teams and designated an officer of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) to lead the investigation under the supervision of senior officials. The central government’s approach towards crimes against women is one of “zero tolerance,” and it deems offenses like this one to be heinous, warranting serious action and deterrence throughout the nation. Hence, the decision to entrust the investigation to the CBI—an independent investigating agency. Furthermore, the MHA mentioned some of the remedial measures taken, such as the formation of district psychological support teams to provide mental health intervention at relief camps and making it mandatory for police stations to report such cases to the Director General of Police (DGP). The government also offered rewards for reporting incidents and providing information leading to the arrest of the culprits. In addition to medical aid, an all-women team comprising specialists was assigned to assist the victims. Legal aid has also been offered to the victims through the District Legal Services Authority. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear pleas related to the ethnic violence in Manipur on July 28. The situation in the hills of Manipur remains tense, with ongoing ethnic violence leading to numerous casualties and injuries. Overall, the government’s decision to transfer the case to the CBI and request a trial outside Manipur is aimed at ensuring a swift and fair legal process for the victims and achieving justice in this disturbing case of violence against women.