Imphal, November 17 2009: A division bench of Gauhati High Court comprising of Justice T Nandakumar and Justice K Meruno has directed the District and Sessions Judge, Manipur East to conduct an enquiry into the killing of Ningombam Gopal of Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai.

Gopal, a peon in Gauhati High Court, was shot dead by a combined team of Imphal West commandos and troops of 32 AR at a place between Heinoubok and Sadokpam on December 23 last year.

A writ petition filed Gopal's family at Gauhati High Court contended that Gopal was killed in a fake encounter after he was taken away by two commandos in civilian fatigue from a local tea hotel.

The petition sought punishment of the guilty security personnel as well as compensation to the bereaved family.

However, the respondents contended that Gopal was a PREPAK cadre and he was killed in an encounter.

Taking note of the contradictory statements, the division bench directed the District and Sessions Judge, Manipur East to conduct an enquiry to establish facts and circumstances of the killing.

The bench further directed that a report of the enquiry should be submitted within four months counting from November 30 on which date both the petitioner and respondents should appear before the Court again.

Advocate Khaidem Mani is appearing on behalf of the petitioner.

Meanwhile, in response to the instruction of the same division bench to submit progress report of the FIR registered in connection with the Khwairamband killings, City Police filed a counter affidavit instead submitting progress report pleading for some more time.

Subsequently, the Court directed the City Police to submit the progress report by November 20 .