evidence: For once, the outrage was immediate — and universal. The Opposition reacted strongly, condemning the state of affairs in Manipur that allowed such heinous acts with impunity. The Union women and child development minister Smriti Irani telephoned chief minister Biren Singh, who was forced to react at 10.44am, saying that a thorough investigation was underway, the police had taken "suo motu" cognisance and would ensure strict action against all perpetrators. By Thursday afternoon, the Manipur Police had made its first arrest, 32-year-old Huirem Herodas Meitei, one of the men in the video, and one holding one of the two women, a deathgrip on her body that was shaking with fear. Three more people were arrested by the evening.