Guwahati: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Chief Praveen Sood embarked on a crucial mission as he landed at Guwahati on December 18, marking the beginning of a thorough examination of the progress made by Special Investigation Teams (SITs) assigned to investigate six cases of violence in Manipur. The visit, meticulously planned and in strict compliance with directives from the Supreme Court of India, seeks to ensure a meticulous examination of the developments under the supervision of DIG-rank officers.
Reliable sources have hinted that Sood’s agenda extends beyond a routine review, indicating a keen interest in evaluating the advancement of the cases against nine individuals who have been charge-sheeted in connection to the killing of a Naga woman during the ethnic violence in Manipur. This dual focus aligns seamlessly with the legal framework and the court’s insistence on expeditious and impartial investigations.
This move follows the footsteps of a special CBI team, led by Sood, which arrived in Manipur on September 27. The primary objective of this earlier mission was to accelerate the inquiry into the alleged murder of two Meitei students, an incident that ignited tensions and prompted widespread protests. The clashes on September 26, involving protestors, police, and Rapid Action Force soldiers, resulted in multiple injuries and galvanised public demands for justice for the kidnapped and murdered students.
The CBI Director’s meticulous attention to the complexities of these cases underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment of the investigative agency to uphold justice. The scrutiny of the charge-sheeted individuals reflects the agency’s dedication to ensuring accountability for the crimes committed during the tumultuous events in Manipur.
Sources close to the matter have disclosed that following the comprehensive review in Guwahati, Chief Praveen Sood travelled to Manipur on a special flight accompanied by a team of specialists. This on-the-ground presence is indicative of the agency’s proactive approach to investigations and highlights the gravity of the cases under scrutiny. The CBI Director is returning to Guwahati later today, culminating his on-site assessments.
In a well-coordinated effort to support Manipur’s investigation, as per the direction of the supreme court, Assam police have designated two seasoned police officials. Superintendent of Police, Lakhimpur, IPS Anand Mishra and Superintendent of Police (Border-II) APS Randeep Kumar Baruah are now placed at the disposal of the Government of Manipur. Their role is pivotal as they take charge of the SITs constituted for the Manipur incidents, as outlined in a governor’s notification.
Chief Praveen Sood’s visit and meticulous review underscore the CBI’s dedication to transparency, adherence to legal processes, and the pursuit of justice in the Manipur violence cases. As the CBI Director navigates through the intricacies of these investigations, the nation awaits the outcomes, anticipating a resolution that aligns with the principles of justice and accountability.
