Tension and grief gripped Yaiskul on Wednesday as scores of women took to the streets, staging a sit-in protest to condemn the brutal killing of Dr. Angom Rita, a 67-year-old retired medical practitioner who was found dead at her residence in Yaiskul Chingakham Leirak on Tuesday evening.
The protest, held near the locality where the incident occurred, saw womenfolk holding placards reading “Justice for Dr. Rita” and “Stop Crimes Against Women.” The demonstrators voiced deep frustration over what they described as the “deteriorating law and order” in the state and demanded that those responsible be swiftly brought to justice.
A Heinous Crime That Shook the Community
According to police sources, the body of Dr. Rita was discovered late Tuesday evening by neighbours who grew concerned when she failed to respond to repeated calls. Locals reported that the elderly doctor, who lived alone, had been found with visible injuries, leading authorities to suspect murder during a possible robbery attempt.
Investigators from Imphal Police Station have registered a case and initiated a probe. Forensic experts were seen collecting evidence from the scene, while senior officers have assured that a special investigation team will be formed to expedite the case.
While the official motive remains under investigation, locals suspect that the assailants may have broken into her home with the intention of theft before resorting to violence.
Public Outrage and Fear
At the protest site, one woman protester voiced the community’s anger:
“This incident has shocked us all. The law and order situation has completely deteriorated — if such crimes can happen in a crowded residential area, none of us feel safe anymore. We demand immediate action from the authorities.”
The killing has triggered widespread panic in the area, with residents calling for increased night patrolling and stronger community policing. Many described Dr. Rita as a respected figure who had served the local community for decades with kindness and dedication.
Authorities Promise Action
Law enforcement officials have intensified surveillance in the surrounding neighbourhoods and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area. “We are pursuing multiple leads,” a police official said on condition of anonymity, assuring that no effort will be spared in identifying and apprehending the culprits.
As night fell, candles were lit outside Dr. Rita’s residence in silent remembrance. The air was heavy — not just with sorrow, but with a growing demand for accountability and change.
For the people of Yaiskul, the protest was not merely about one crime — it was a cry for safety, justice, and faith in the rule of law.