The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has called for further investigation in the reported assault of a wife by her husband and mob for an alleged illicit affair, an incident that happened on July 12, 2022.
On July 12, 2022, a 22-year-old woman was reportedly assaulted by her husband, identified as Md Sajid, aged about 23, of Sora Makha Leikai, Kakching district along with a mob for allegedly having an illicit affair. She was tied up with cable wire, hair cut off and beaten, as per the Kakching police.
The police had registered FIR under section 325/342/354/506/34 IPC punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt, wrongly confinement, assault, criminal intimidation, common intention against her husband Md Sajid of Sora Makha Leikai, Kakching district, his associates Md Satar, Samiran, Rahamatun, Sumita, Rasida, Ibemcha, Bembem, Nurul @ Ngakra and Sakila.
The victim's family had approached Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on August 2 for necessary action with the commission calling for a report regarding the matter from OC Kakching on August 3.
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According to the report, a preliminary enquiry report was conducted by SI K Wilson on July 27, an initial investigation of the case was examined but further investigation was followed by ASI Govinda Kh and stated that the chargesheet will be submitted soon.
After perusal of the report the MHRC directed DGP Manipur, SP Kakching PS and OC Kakching PS for further investigation on August 25.
The commission stated that OC Kakching PS had personally appeared and submitted on his part of the investigation into the case he is submitting the chargesheet.
According to the commission, the Counsel of the victim submitted that the victim has been continuously suffering from mental and nervous shock and incapable of ordinary business. The MHRC also examined the certificate issued by RIMS department of Psychiatry, signed by Dr Lenin, that stated the victim had an acute stress reaction and was advised for treatment in the Psychiatry ward, RIMS hospital.
The commission opined that there is still a need for further investigation against accused persons of the case with the help of lady SI of Kakching PS, in order to see and ascertain if the allegation made by victim is a real fact and if it be real fact, then OC Kakching PS should take immediate necessary action under appropriate section of IPC and CrPC.
“While examining the report of two IO of the case, difference has been seen that at first report of SI Wilson the hair of victim was cut by one among mob, on the other hand, according to ASI Govinda, the victim’s hair was cut by victim’s husband and section 354-B was removed stating there is no prima facie evidence found for using criminal force to the victim with the intention of disrobing or compelling her to be naked," pointed out Amuyai, the victim’s mother and urged for minute investigation of the case.
Speaking to the media on Friday at her residence, Amuya said that her daughter was under domestic violence but had to bear it. Whether she has an affair or not, they do not have the right for coercive action against her daughter’s reputation, the mother said.
“Now, my daughter is not normal due to their criminal actions and I want all accused to be arrested as soon as possible and be in custody”, the victim's mother said.
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The Women Action for Development (WAD) team visited for fact findings at the victim's residence and witnessed the condition of the victim on Friday.
WAD secretary Mangsatabam Sobita told the media that the incident was reported on July 21 but the culprit is yet to be arrested. There could be a hidden agenda behind it, she alleged and added that it will show how serious the police take a woman's case.
“The victim was rescued by a police team with some women police suffering injuries in the process. Then, why did the police wait for a lodging complaint”, she asked. Those women police are also eye witnesses of the incident, she added.
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Sobita said section 498A, which officially made domestic violence a criminal offence, was added to the IPC in 1983. The section of the law specifically covers cruelty towards married women by their husbands or by their families. Then, why the police officer is taking it easy in the particular case by examining certain persons, he further questioned.
The state government should give attention to the women issue particularly in the domestic violence case as it is increasing in the state, she said. It is time to take action against those police officers who are taking their responsibility properly, she added.
