The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed six First Information Reports (FIRs) and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under a DIG-rank officer to probe into the alleged conspiracy behind the Manipur violence. The SIT will consist of 10 officers, official sources said.
The agency took over the investigation after the Manipur government wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recommending a CBI probe.
During his visit to Manipur, Home Minister Amit Shah had announced a CBI probe to investigate six FIRs — five on alleged criminal conspiracy and one on general conspiracy behind the violence in Manipur.
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According to an official source, the six cases selected by the Manipur government for the CBI's investigation include a common conspiracy case to ascertain whether the ethnic violence was pre-planned. This comes out of more than 3,700 FIRs registered in the state since the violence erupted.
The largest number of cases were filed in the Imphal West district, followed by Kangpokpi and Bishnupur.
“As part of the CBI investigation, six cases have been identified for further examination. One of these cases focuses on a possible common conspiracy, aiming to determine whether the ethnic violence was pre-planned. The investigation will delve into the details to uncover any evidence suggesting a coordinated effort behind the unrest,” said an official.
Last Thursday, the central government had announced several actions to bring peace and rebuild trust in Manipur, which has been facing unrest since May 3. These measures included the investigation of the situation by a special team from the CBI and the formation of a Judicial Commission.
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During his Manipur visit, Amit Shah had told reporters in Imphal that a special team from the CBI would handle six cases connected to the riots. Additionally, a Judicial Inquiry Commission, led by a retired High Court judge, would investigate the origins of the violence and identify any potential conspiracy that led to unrest in the state. He had said that the government was taking these steps to understand the reasons behind the turmoil and hold those responsible accountable.
As of June 3, a total of 3,734 FIRs have been filed in Manipur where clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities have resulted in over 100 deaths since May 3. The district with the highest number of cases is Imphal West, with 1,257 FIRs registered. Kangpokpi district follows with 932 cases, and Bishnupur district with 844 cases, as per the Chief Minister’s office.
(With inputs from agency)
