Manipur Police make detained individuals sweep streets, clear debris under community service provisions in new law

Manipur Police enforce community service for detained individuals involved in street violence after AT member's arrest.

The Manipur Police invoked community service provisions under the new criminal law, making detained individuals sweep streets and clear debris after the recent spate of violence triggered by the arrest of an Arambai Tenggol (AT) member by the Central Bureau of Investigation on June 8.

On June 9, Manipur Police detained 19 men for their involvement in street violence in Imphal East District.

“These individuals were found blocking roads, harassing commuters, and creating public disturbances, mostly under the influence of alcohol. Their actions caused inconvenience to the law-abiding citizens and disrupted public order,” the police said in a statement.

A police official said that the 19 men were not arrested but booked under prohibitory sections of the law and were released after signing a “good behaviour” bond in the presence of their families.

Section 4 (F) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) defines community service as one of the punishments.

“Before they were released, the police made them clear the roads they had blocked. They were made to sweep the streets and remove the debris in the presence of police,” said the police official.

The police statement further urged the youth “to steer clear of such unlawful and anti-social activities.”