On February 16, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Manipur Police, Ningthoujam Muhindro Singh (50), was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in Thoubal district. The incident was reported after the girl returned home in tears, leading her family to inquire about the situation. In response to the assault, local residents protested, demanding severe legal repercussions for the accused, including capital punishment, and opposing any bail.
The ASI has been suspended and placed in 15 days of judicial custody. Protesters, including a woman named Kh. Gunamani, condemned the act, calling it disgraceful for a police officer, whose duty is to protect children, to commit such a crime. She insisted on life imprisonment for the accused and warned of escalated protests if justice is not served. Additionally, a local club’s secretary criticized the officer’s actions as a shame to the police department and urged the government to ensure there are no attempts to shield him and to investigate any prior allegations against him.
Demonstrators carried placards demanding capital punishment and justice for the victim, highlighting their outrage against the sexual harassment of minors. An investigation into the case is ongoing.