The horrific act of sexual assault in northeast Indian state of Manipur, whose graphic video shocked millions across India and beyond, occurred spontaneously, authorities have claimed, according to local media reports.

Earlier, reports said that the act of two women being paraded naked by a mob was triggered by a fake video showing a woman's corpse wrapped in plastic. But the authorities said that was not the case.&nbsp; 
 
"The attackers were raiding about nine villages in the area since May 3 night, the day the crisis started in the state. Next day this incident (the women being paraded naked) happened," a senior security source was quoted as saying by the Times of India, adding, "It was a spontaneous act."

Two women from an ethnic group under attack in Manipur were seen being paraded naked by a rampaging mob. Scores of young men were seen walking alongside as other men drag one of the distressed women into the fields, groping her on the way, in a horrific video that went viral on social media.

The viral video shows an incident from May 4, according to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), but police only made arrests once the footage went online this week.

Also watch |&nbsp;Manipur: Protesting women set fire to the house of the accused

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Manipur Police described the incident on Twitter as "a case of abduction, gang rape and murder" on Wednesday, July 20.

So far four people have been arrested and police raids are ongoing. Meanwhile, the house of one of the accused was burned down by the women in Imphal protesting against act of sexual violence on May 4.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as "shameful", adding that "what happened with the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven."

The row has put spotlight on months-long ethnic violence in Manipur that first erupted on May 3. As India's parliament convened for its Monsoon session in New Delhi, the opposition accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party governments in the state and at Centre of failing to control the violence.

The Supreme Court also took cognisance of the matter and warned that if the government doesn't act then they will.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, an India Today report said that the incidents of sexual violence against women in Manipur, including the one seen in the horrific video&nbsp;were reported to India's National Commission for Women (NCW) in June, over a month before the video of two women being paraded naked emerged on social media.

<h2 data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_BF86588D-CF81-2381-AB2F-74157D685DA8@published">Manipur ethnic violence</h2>

Manipur has grappled with violence in recent months.

Clashes broke out in the state capital Imphal on May 3 after thousands of demonstrators, mostly from the Kuki tribe, took part in a rally against the majority Meitei ethnic community, against their demand&nbsp;for special tribal status.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cannot-be-forgiven-modi-reacts-to-video-of-manipur-women-paraded-naked-two-arrested-617684">'Cannot be forgiven': Modi reacts to video of Manipur women paraded naked, two arrested; top court takes note</a>

A&nbsp;tribal status would enable the people from&nbsp;Meitei community to buy land and provide more opportunities for government jobs.

Over 100 people have been killed and tens of thousands more displaced since then.

The incident on May 4 occurred after the women’s village was burnt down and two men were beaten to death.

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The horrific act of sexual assault in northeast Indian state of Manipur, whose graphic video shocked millions across India and beyond, occurred spontaneously, authorities have claimed, according to local media reports.

The horrific act of sexual assault in northeast Indian state of Manipur, whose graphic video shocked millions across India and beyond, occurred spontaneously, authorities have claimed, according to local media reports. Earlier, reports said that the act of two women being paraded naked by a mob was triggered by a fake video showing a woman's corpse wrapped in plastic. But the authorities said that was not the case. "The attackers were raiding about nine villages in the area since May 3 night, the day the crisis started in the state. Next day this incident (the women being paraded naked) happened," a senior security source was quoted as saying by the Times of India, adding, "It was a spontaneous act." Two women from an ethnic group under attack in Manipur were seen being paraded naked by a rampaging mob. Scores of young men were seen walking alongside as other men drag one of the distressed women into the fields, groping her on the way, in a horrific video that went viral on social media. The viral video shows an incident from May 4, according to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), but police only made arrests once the footage went online this week. Also watch | Manipur: Protesting women set fire to the house of the accused × Manipur Police described the incident on Twitter as "a case of abduction, gang rape and murder" on Wednesday, July 20. So far four people have been arrested and police raids are ongoing. Meanwhile, the house of one of the accused was burned down by the women in Imphal protesting against act of sexual violence on May 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as "shameful", adding that "what happened with the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven." The row has put spotlight on months-long ethnic violence in Manipur that first erupted on May 3. As India's parliament convened for its Monsoon session in New Delhi, the opposition accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party governments in the state and at Centre of failing to control the violence. The Supreme Court also took cognisance of the matter and warned that if the government doesn't act then they will. Meanwhile, an India Today report said that the incidents of sexual violence against women in Manipur, including the one seen in the horrific video were reported to India's National Commission for Women (NCW) in June, over a month before the video of two women being paraded naked emerged on social media. Manipur ethnic violence Manipur has grappled with violence in recent months. Clashes broke out in the state capital Imphal on May 3 after thousands of demonstrators, mostly from the Kuki tribe, took part in a rally against the majority Meitei ethnic community, against their demand for special tribal status. Also read | 'Cannot be forgiven': Modi reacts to video of Manipur women paraded naked, two arrested; top court takes note A tribal status would enable the people from Meitei community to buy land and provide more opportunities for government jobs. Over 100 people have been killed and tens of thousands more displaced since then. The incident on May 4 occurred after the women’s village was burnt down and two men were beaten to death. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Assault on Manipur women: Authorities claim naked parading was not linked to fake news

Indian actor Akshay Kumar reacted strongly to the viral video that allegedly shows two women in Manipur being sexually assaulted on a road in public view. &nbsp;Taking to Twitter, Akshay wrote, "Shaken, disgusted to see the video of violence against women in Manipur. I hope the culprits get such a harsh punishment that no one ever thinks of doing a horrifying thing like this again." 
 
The alleged video shows two women being paraded naked and being sexually assaulted in public.&nbsp;

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Shaken, disgusted to see the video of violence against women in Manipur. I hope the culprits get such a harsh punishment that no one ever thinks of doing a horrifying thing like this again.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1681836088653123584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This is the first time that an Indian actor has spoken in public about the violence in Manipur. So far no actor has spoken out about the civil unrest in Manipur that has been ongoing for the past two months. 
 
The video of the incident went viral on Wednesday (July 19), and according to media reports, it took place about two months ago when the violence first started. 
 
The incident reportedly took place in the Meitei-dominated valley of the Thiubal district. A complaint was filed at a police station in Kangpokpi district and the case was later forwarded to the police station in Thoubal. 
 
Response to the viral video 
 
In a first official response to the video, the Superintendent of Police (SP), K Meghanchandra Singh issued a press note, which said, "As regards the video of 2 women paraded naked by unknown armed miscreants on 4th May 2023, a case of abduction, gangrape and murder was registered at Nongpok Sekmai Police Station (Thoubal district) against the unknown armed miscreants. The investigation has started and the state police is making an all-out effort to arrest the culprits at the earliest." 
 
Union Minister for Women and Child Welfare Smriti Irani also responded to the video and shared on Twitter, "The horrific video of sexual assault of 2 women emanating from Manipur is condemnable and downright inhuman. Spoke to CM &nbsp;@NBirenSingh ji who has informed me that the investigation is currently underway and&nbsp;assured me that no effort will be spared to bring perpetrators to justice."&nbsp;

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The horrific video of sexual assault of 2 women emanating from Manipur is condemnable and downright inhuman. Spoke to CM <a href="https://twitter.com/NBirenSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBirenSingh</a> ji who has informed me that investigation is currently underway &amp; assured that no effort will be spared to bring perpetrators to justice.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/1681725470524731392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Indian actor Akshay Kumar reacted strongly to the viral video that allegedly shows two women in Manipur being sexually assaulted on a road in public view. Taking to Twitter, Akshay wrote, "Shaken, disgusted to see the video of violence against women in Manipur.

Indian actor Akshay Kumar reacted strongly to the viral video that allegedly shows two women in Manipur being sexually assaulted on a road in public view. Taking to Twitter, Akshay wrote, "Shaken, disgusted to see the video of violence against women in Manipur. I hope the culprits get such a harsh punishment that no one ever thinks of doing a horrifying thing like this again." The alleged video shows two women being paraded naked and being sexually assaulted in public. Shaken, disgusted to see the video of violence against women in Manipur. I hope the culprits get such a harsh punishment that no one ever thinks of doing a horrifying thing like this again. — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 20, 2023 × This is the first time that an Indian actor has spoken in public about the violence in Manipur. So far no actor has spoken out about the civil unrest in Manipur that has been ongoing for the past two months. The video of the incident went viral on Wednesday (July 19), and according to media reports, it took place about two months ago when the violence first started. The incident reportedly took place in the Meitei-dominated valley of the Thiubal district. A complaint was filed at a police station in Kangpokpi district and the case was later forwarded to the police station in Thoubal. Response to the viral video In a first official response to the video, the Superintendent of Police (SP), K Meghanchandra Singh issued a press note, which said, "As regards the video of 2 women paraded naked by unknown armed miscreants on 4th May 2023, a case of abduction, gangrape and murder was registered at Nongpok Sekmai Police Station (Thoubal district) against the unknown armed miscreants. The investigation has started and the state police is making an all-out effort to arrest the culprits at the earliest." Union Minister for Women and Child Welfare Smriti Irani also responded to the video and shared on Twitter, "The horrific video of sexual assault of 2 women emanating from Manipur is condemnable and downright inhuman. Spoke to CM @NBirenSingh ji who has informed me that the investigation is currently underway and assured me that no effort will be spared to bring perpetrators to justice." The horrific video of sexual assault of 2 women emanating from Manipur is condemnable and downright inhuman. Spoke to CM @NBirenSingh ji who has informed me that investigation is currently underway & assured that no effort will be spared to bring perpetrators to justice. — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) July 19, 2023 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Akshay Kumar reacts to the viral video of violence against women in Manipur: Disgusted, shaken

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting feels South African pacer Anrich Nortje is just a couple of spells away from being match ready and expressed optimism over his availability for their next IPL game against Lucknow Super Giants on April 7.

Nortje has been out of competitive cricket since last November's T20 World Cup due to a back and hip injury.

"Nortje bowled 100% this morning (Saturday) in the warm-ups. He has to get through another maybe four or five-over spell at 100% capacity and then I think if he gets clearance from Cricket South Africa, he should be right to go.

"We have got a few more days before our next game, so hopefully he is available for selection for that one," Ponting said at the virtual post-match press conference after losing by 14 runs against Gujarat Titans here on Saturday night.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-ms-dhoni-three-sixes-away-from-joining-virat-kohi-in-t20-elite-list-467956">IPL 2022: MS Dhoni three sixes away from joining Virat Kohi in T20 elite list</a>

Asked about the availability of Australian duo of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, who is nursing a hip injury, Ponting said: "David Warner has arrived in Mumbai. He left early yesterday morning I believe, so he should be there when we get back to Mumbai tonight. 
 
"Mitchell Marsh has been in Mumbai for a few days, obviously getting his quarantine done. I think he might be out of quarantine tomorrow actually," he said.

"We are hoping that he (Marsh) is going to be available for the game on 10th (against Kolkata Knight Riders). He picked up that slight hip flexor strain in Pakistan. So we need to get a lot of treatment work into him and obviously a few good training sessions before he is available for selection.

"But fingers crossed, Davey should be there for the next game and Mitch Marsh for the game after."

DC coach said the 172-run target was a chaseable one but early wickets hurt their cause against Titans.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-chris-jordan-rajvardhan-hangargekar-to-feature-csks-predicted-playing-xi-for-punjab-kings-clash-467936">IPL 2022: Chris Jordan, Rajvardhan Hangargekar to feature? CSK's predicted playing XI for Punjab Kings clash</a>

Chasing, DC were reduced to 34 for three inside five overs by Titans at the MCA Stadium.

"On this wicket, on this ground, we thought it was a very, very chaseable total," Ponting said.

"Unfortunately for us, for the second game in succession we were behind the eight-ball early. There were a few too many quite soft dismissals from our batsmen tonight.

"If you are losing three wickets in the powerplay, it's really hard to win games from there. We know that, the stats say that, they have said that right through the history of T20 cricket. That's certainly one area that we got to get better at, getting through that powerplay. None or one down would be a nice start to a run chase."

The loss of early wickets, notwithstanding, DC were in great position to chase down the target, needing 54 runs off the last six overs with skipper Rishabh Pant and Rovman Powell at the crease.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-chennai-super-kings-vs-punjab-kings-head-to-head-record-trivia-stats-and-squads-467942">IPL 2022, Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings: Head-to-head record, trivia, stats and squads</a>

"There probably was a little bit of panic. At no stage did the run rate go out of hand and that's what probably makes it a more disappointing loss than it probably looks on the scoreboard," Ponting said.

"We had Rishabh in the middle of a really good innings. Rovman Powell had just gone out. If those two had been out to bat together for two-three more overs, I think we would have won the game. But we were not good enough to do it."

Titans fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who returned with match-winning figures of 4 for 28, said his focus was only on bowling in the right areas.

"There was little bit of nip in the pitch. My job was pretty simple to bowl in the right areas and try to find the nip off the pitch," he said.

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting feels South African pacer Anrich Nortje is just a couple of spells away from being match ready and expressed optimism over his availability for their next IPL game against Lucknow Super Giants on April 7.

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting feels South African pacer Anrich Nortje is just a couple of spells away from being match ready and expressed optimism over his availability for their next IPL game against Lucknow Super Giants on April 7. Nortje has been out of competitive cricket since last November's T20 World Cup due to a back and hip injury. "Nortje bowled 100% this morning (Saturday) in the warm-ups. He has to get through another maybe four or five-over spell at 100% capacity and then I think if he gets clearance from Cricket South Africa, he should be right to go. "We have got a few more days before our next game, so hopefully he is available for selection for that one," Ponting said at the virtual post-match press conference after losing by 14 runs against Gujarat Titans here on Saturday night. ALSO READ: IPL 2022: MS Dhoni three sixes away from joining Virat Kohi in T20 elite list Asked about the availability of Australian duo of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, who is nursing a hip injury, Ponting said: "David Warner has arrived in Mumbai. He left early yesterday morning I believe, so he should be there when we get back to Mumbai tonight. "Mitchell Marsh has been in Mumbai for a few days, obviously getting his quarantine done. I think he might be out of quarantine tomorrow actually," he said. "We are hoping that he (Marsh) is going to be available for the game on 10th (against Kolkata Knight Riders). He picked up that slight hip flexor strain in Pakistan. So we need to get a lot of treatment work into him and obviously a few good training sessions before he is available for selection. "But fingers crossed, Davey should be there for the next game and Mitch Marsh for the game after." DC coach said the 172-run target was a chaseable one but early wickets hurt their cause against Titans. ALSO READ: IPL 2022: Chris Jordan, Rajvardhan Hangargekar to feature? CSK's predicted playing XI for Punjab Kings clash Chasing, DC were reduced to 34 for three inside five overs by Titans at the MCA Stadium. "On this wicket, on this ground, we thought it was a very, very chaseable total," Ponting said. "Unfortunately for us, for the second game in succession we were behind the eight-ball early. There were a few too many quite soft dismissals from our batsmen tonight. "If you are losing three wickets in the powerplay, it's really hard to win games from there. We know that, the stats say that, they have said that right through the history of T20 cricket. That's certainly one area that we got to get better at, getting through that powerplay. None or one down would be a nice start to a run chase." The loss of early wickets, notwithstanding, DC were in great position to chase down the target, needing 54 runs off the last six overs with skipper Rishabh Pant and Rovman Powell at the crease. ALSO READ: IPL 2022, Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings: Head-to-head record, trivia, stats and squads "There probably was a little bit of panic. At no stage did the run rate go out of hand and that's what probably makes it a more disappointing loss than it probably looks on the scoreboard," Ponting said. "We had Rishabh in the middle of a really good innings. Rovman Powell had just gone out. If those two had been out to bat together for two-three more overs, I think we would have won the game. But we were not good enough to do it." Titans fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who returned with match-winning figures of 4 for 28, said his focus was only on bowling in the right areas. "There was little bit of nip in the pitch. My job was pretty simple to bowl in the right areas and try to find the nip off the pitch," he said.

'Cannot be forgiven': Modi reacts to video of Manipur women paraded naked, two arrested; top court takes note