IMPHAL: A head constable of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India has been suspended after being caught on camera sexually assaulting a woman inside a grocery store in the Imphal West district of Manipur. The incident, which occurred on July 20, was captured by a CCTV camera and the footage was widely shared on social media.
The video showed the man in uniform, later identified as Head Constable Satish Prasad, carrying an INSAS rifle, groping the woman in the store. Following the circulation of the footage, a case was filed against Prasad, and he was subsequently suspended by the paramilitary force after receiving a complaint on the same day.
The BSF has initiated an internal probe against the head constable, who belongs to the number 100 battalion of the force, deployed in the strife-torn northeastern state for security duties. Prasad has been kept in close arrest, and departmental proceedings have been initiated against him.
The paramilitary force stated that it has zero tolerance for such acts, and a fair investigation will be conducted into the incident.
Sexual Assault Cases in Manipur
This incident comes shortly after another video went viral showing a group of men sexually assaulting and disrobing two women in Manipur. Seven people have been apprehended in connection with that case. In addition, on May 4, two women were allegedly raped and murdered by a mob in Imphal. These incidents have escalated tensions amid ongoing ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis in the region, leading to over 160 deaths and several injuries since May 3.
The Manipur government has partially lifted the internet ban, allowing broadband service while keeping mobile internet banned. This decision comes as the authorities continue to address the volatile situation in the state.
