Statement against the Vilification of the Manipuri Woman - Complainant of Rape

December 29, 2013 :

Recently a woman from Manipur working for the NGO, Boond, alleged that she was raped by an NGO activist, Khurshid Anwar, on the 12 September 2013. The complaint came to light when a video recording was taken and circulated in social media reportedly without the consent of the complainant, which has caused unnecessary politicization, i.e. negative intervention in the case by those with vested interests. After the accused committed suicide on 18 December 2013, certain persons are undertaking activities which amounts to intimidation and vilification of the complainant.

It is quite evident to the larger Manipuri community and Manipuri Students’ Association of Delhi (MSAD) that the complainant has not been guided and counseled satisfactorily. This has unfortunately allowed for her victimization, and has made a free and fair trial increasingly difficult. According to MSAD, for a free and fair trial all the people who were involved in the case and its reporting to the NCW should be properly investigated and also cautioned from communicating their personal views in the media to the detriment of the complainant and without acquiring proper consent from her.

We strongly believe that for a fair trial the Delhi Police should seriously look into the matter of intimidation and vilification of the victim. We take objection to the fact that the provision of rape-shield has not been made for the complainant so far – a measure that the Police should compulsorily take before and during the trial so that character assassination of complainants of rape cannot happen. All those involved in character assassination should be duly punished, and the Delhi Police, NCW and Human Rights Commission should take proper cognizance of the fact that some of the vigilante persons speaking on this case have been continuously making racist and gendered allegations against the complainant. The Police, in particular, should take cognizance of such unwanted interference in the case.

If the vilification of the complainant continues, MSAD has resolved to approach higher government and Police authorities, and push for stringent action against the compromising of a free and fair trial. Since a free and fair trial requires the following of the proper judicial process, we appeal to all concerned persons to desist from undue intervention in the judicial process. MSAD is keeping a close vigil on the developments of the case, and if the investigation process fails to be objective we will not hesitate from making an active intervention and to resort to all possible democratic means so that due judicial process can be pursued.

Chinglen Khumukcham
President
Manipur Students’ Association of Delhi (MSAD)