Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 01:
he blood samples taken from 31 personnel of the 17 Assam Rifles have been sent to the Central Institute of Forensic Laboratory, Kolkata today for DNA testing, RIMS Forensic Department sources said.
Significantly, the two personnel who are yet to give their blood samples have still not done so till today.
The blood samples were collected from 31 personnel of 17 Assam Rifles yesterday and the same were kept under seal in the custody of Assam Rifles, sources said adding that the process of sealing the samples were jointly conducted by authorities of Assam Rifles and RIMS Forensic Dept under proper procedures.
The sealed samples were again brought at RIMS today where they were opened for verification and gain re-sealed before they were packed off to Kolkata.
Some Assam Rifles personnel took the Imphal- Kolkata flight to hand over the blood samples to the CIFL, for DNA testing, said sources and added that they know nothing about the identities of the AR personnel whose blood samples have been collected.
However it is reliably learnt that blood samples of two officers were also taken yesterday.
The DNA test has been taken up as part of the Army Court of Inquiry instituted to probe the circumstances leading to the death of Th Manorama while in the custody of 17 AR personnel.
Yesterday the OC of Irilbung Police Station had approached the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate to give permission for DNA test to be conducted on the personnel involved in the arrest and killing of Th Manorama.
After perusing the matter, the Court fixed tomorrow for hearing the matter further.
Meanwhile the cross examination of 17 Assam Rifles CO, Colonel Jag-mohan Singh in camera continued for the third consecutive day today at the Imphal Central Jail.
Sources said that the Upendra Commission may take another day or two to complete the cross examination of the CO after which the four other personnel, Naik Subedar Digambar Dutt, Havildar Suresh Kumar, riflemen Lotha and Ajit Singh would be examined.