Manipur Police Makes 5th Arrest In Viral Video Case, Helpline Number Issued

IMPHAL: The Manipur police arrested one more person in connection with the viral video of the horrific case where two women were paraded naked in strife-torn Manipur, taking the total of those arrested to five.

Four of the others, who featured in the video, including the prime accused named Huirem Herodas Meitei, were arrested on Friday. After news of his arrest came out, Huirem's house was set on fire yesterday by a mob which included the women of Petchi Village.

With the latest one in the net, this is the fifth arrest made in connection to the case. The new arrestee has been identified as 19-year-old Yumlembam Nungsithoi Metei.

Meanwhile, on Friday, four of the accused were produced in court and sent to 11-day police custody.

In connection with the case, a massive manhunt by police has been continuing to track down around a dozen suspects who could be seen in the viral video.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh has stated that he is personally monitoring the search operations. Raids are being conducted at many hideouts where the offenders are suspected to have taken shelter, the state government said, adding that the situation continued to be tense and volatile.

Hundreds of women across Manipur participated in peaceful sit-in protest demonstrations, while many took to the streets, demanding exemplary punishment to the offenders of this dastardly act.

The incident in question took place in Manipur’s Thoubal district on May 4 this year, a day after the violent clashes were sparked off in the state. A case of abduction, gang rape and murder was registered against unidentified miscreants at Nongpok Sekmai Police station.

Following the horrific video going viral on Thursday, the Centre asked all the social media platforms, including Twitter, to take down the video as they said the matter is under investigation.

The viral video has sparked outrage across the country and around the world, with prominent individuals and organizations voicing concern at the situation in this northeastern state of India.

Meanwhile, the state government has appealed to the people not to believe in rumours. A "rumour free" helpline number -- 9233522822 -- has been issued for people to confirm circulation of "unfounded" videos.

It also made an appeal to the people to return the looted arms, ammunitions and explosives to the police or nearest security forces.

Also Read: Both Meitei, Kuki women hold massive protests across Manipur

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