Border Security Force suspends a jawan for molesting woman in Manipur

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• Jul 25, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The Border Security Force (BSF) has taken swift action and suspended a jawan following accusations of molesting a local woman at a...

Digital Desk: The Border Security Force (BSF) has taken swift action and suspended a jawan following accusations of molesting a local woman at a grocery store in the restive state of Manipur. The incident came to light after a CCTV footage, which showed head constable Satish Prasad allegedly abusing the woman while donning his combat uniform and carrying an INSAS rifle, surfaced on social media.

According to a BSF official, the incident was reported on July 20 in the Imphal West district. Soon after receiving the complaint, the paramilitary force conducted a thorough investigation, and on the same day, the accused trooper was suspended pending further inquiries.

The head constable in question hails from the number 100 battalion of the BSF, which had been deployed to Manipur as an ad-hoc unit to maintain security in the region, grappling with ethnic violence since May 3. The violence erupted when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest against the demand by the Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

In response to the disturbing incident, a Court of Inquiry proceeding has been initiated against the accused head constable. The BSF has asserted its zero-tolerance policy towards such misconduct and has assured the public that a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted.

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The allegations against the BSF jawan have been met with widespread condemnation, both in Manipur and across the country. Authorities and citizens alike have stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for greater sensitivity training and accountability measures for security personnel deployed in conflict-prone regions.

The ethnic violence in Manipur has already claimed the lives of over 160 people, leaving several others injured. The situation remains tense and calls for a concerted effort from both the government and the public to find a peaceful resolution to the longstanding grievances and communal tensions in the state.

The recent incident involving the BSF jawan has only added to the challenges faced by security forces operating in the region. The suspension of the accused jawan reflects the seriousness with which the BSF is treating the matter, and it is hoped that the due legal process will be followed to ensure justice prevails.