Joint Action Committee Demands Thorough Probe into Mysterious Death of Manipuri Woman in Delhi

Imphal, April 21:A Joint Action Committee (JAC) has been formed in response to the tragic and suspicious death of 20-year-old Khangembam Priyaluxmi Devi, a native of Ngaikhong Siphai in Manipur’s Bishnupur district. Her body was found near Maharani Bagh in Delhi’s Sunlight Colony on April 19, in what the Delhi Police have preliminarily classified as a suicide.

The JAC, addressing the media at the Rural Youth Development Organisation office in Ngaikhong Siphai, strongly condemned the incident and called for a thorough and impartial investigation. “The death is suspicious. The case must be investigated to punish all culprits involved,” said N. Bishrup, co-convenor of the committee.

Priyaluxmi had moved to Delhi in October 2024 and was working at iEnergizer, a BPO company in Noida. According to the police, CCTV footage showed her alone before the incident, and a suicide note was reportedly discovered on her mobile phone. Her remains were flown back to Imphal on April 20.

Bishrup highlighted the larger issue of racial discrimination faced by Northeastern communities in mainland India. “The incident of murder, killing and discrimination of people from the Northeast and Manipur outside the state is not a new thing. There is suspicion of foul play in Priyaluxmi’s death,” he stated.

The JAC has formally appealed to both the Governor and the Chief Secretary of Manipur to ensure an unbiased and detailed investigation into the case.

The committee also expressed deep concern over insensitive social media posts circulating about the deceased. “Such negative comments hurt the sentiments of the grieving family. If these posts are not removed, we may pursue legal action,” Bishrup warned.

While a female IPS officer overseeing the case has termed it a “normal suicide,” the investigation remains open, especially considering growing public demand for clarity and justice.

Priyaluxmi was sharing accommodation with a roommate named Marina in Delhi. Her body has been kept at AIIMS mortuary pending a full postmortem.

The JAC has also urged Delhi-based Manipuri and Northeastern organisations to implement preventive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and workers living outside the region.