Amid widespread shock and sorrow, the body of Priya Laxmi Devi, the 20-year-old woman from Manipur who was found dead under mysterious circumstances in New Delhi, was brought back to her native village in Bishnupur district today. Her return has sparked strong local outrage, prompting the formation of a Joint Action Committee (JAC) to demand justice and a thorough investigation into her death.
The JAC, formed at a public meeting in Ngaikhong Siphai, has rejected the preliminary conclusion by Delhi Police that Priya died by suicide, citing CCTV footage allegedly showing her jumping from a rooftop. “We are not convinced by the suicide theory being floated. There are too many unanswered questions, and we strongly suspect foul play,” said JAC Convener Takhellambam Surjit Mangang during a press conference held today.
Priya, daughter of Khagemba Jadumani Singh from Ngaikhong, Bishnupur, had been working at Ienergizer (Blackjack) in Noida. She had reportedly not reported to work on Thursday, prompting concern among friends and colleagues. Her body was discovered early Friday morning near the “I Love Kilokari” signboard, just beneath her third-floor residence in Maharani Bagh, New Delhi.
Meanwhile, members of the Manipuri community in Delhi and her family have raised serious concerns over the transparency and credibility of the initial investigation. The JAC has called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Secretary PK Singh to intervene and ensure an impartial and credible probe. They are also pushing for an independent review of the case, warning of intensified public protests if their demands are not met.
