A city-based social activist has raised funds through crowdfunding to help two girls who were victims of assault in Manipur.

In nine days, Mudar Patherya raised a little over Rs 9 lakh from multiple sources, which has already been distributed between the two girls.

“I started this initiative on August 22 with a deadline of August 31. The response was overwhelming,” Patherya said. “Calcutta apart, people from Mumbai, Bangalore and even Kuwait donated for the cause,” he added.

The first donation of Rs 1 lakh was made by Patherya’s foundation.

A three-pronged approach was undertaken to start the fundraiser.

While Patherya sent out WhatsApp messages to his contacts, he put up a post seeking donations on his Facebook page as well.

Patherya also individually visited business and industrial houses to seek their help through their corporate social responsibility schemes.

On August 1, the money that was raised in nine days was equally divided and directly transferred to the bank accounts of the two victims who are both healthcare students from Manipur.

The girls were assaulted on May 4.

According to one of the girls, a mob of around 150 Meitei men and women raided their institute on May 4.

The duo, who belong to the Kuki community, were identified, thrashed and “kicked around like footballs”.

At least two FIRs have been lodged by the victims, but no action has been taken on them so far.

Patherya hoped the money from crowdfunding came as a ray of hope. “I hope this money not only helps the girls complete their college education but also assists them in future,” he said.

He added that a Mumbai-based professional had agreed to give them online psychological counselling.

“I got her (the counsellor) in touch with the victims. I hope it (the counselling) helps improve their lives,” Patherya said.

A message of gratitude has been circulated among the donors on behalf of Patherya’s foundation. Patherya is trying to get voice messages recorded from the two girls to be circulated among donors.