In Manipur, India, a disturbing incident unfolded on July 22 when irate women set fire to the house of a sexual assault suspect. This act sparked outrage nationwide an
d amplified calls for justice for the victim involved.
The suspect, Ngangom Loken, aged 25, was accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in Manipur’s Imphal West district on July 15. Though arrested by the police on July 17, he was surprisingly released on bail on July 21.
On that fateful Saturday, a group of determined women gathered outside Loken’s residence, demanding his return to jail. Regrettably, their plea was dismissed by the police, and in desperation, the women resorted to setting his house on fire.
This tragic event brings to the forefront the pervasive issue of sexual violence against women in India. Startlingly, the National Crime Records Bureau reported over 32,000 cases of rape in India in 2018 alone, and it is believed that countless more incidents go unreported.
Responding to the public outcry, the Manipur government vowed to take decisive action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime. N. Biren Singh, the state’s chief minister, has asserted that the government will diligently pursue justice and hold the culprits accountable.
The incident has also reignited the debate concerning the role of the police in preventing sexual violence. Criticism has been directed at the police for granting Loken bail, which some argue conveys a message that sexual assault is not treated as a serious offense.
Defending their decision, the police claimed that they lacked sufficient evidence to detain Loken further. Nonetheless, they have pledged to continue investigating the case and bring those responsible to justice.
