Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, October 11:
The court of the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal, has a found prima facie case against riflemen Ram Singh Rawat of the 25th Assam Rifles on the rape of a young housewife of Luwangsangbam Matai Leikai committed while tension prevailed around the Cheirap court complex today when police cracked down on hundreds of student protestors.
Fearing outbreaks of violence many shops in the markets close to the court, including Thangal bazar downed shutters after the commotion broke out.
The court today ordered remand of the accused, who was produced before around 12.30 pm amidst outcries, in judicial custody till October 25.The court has also directed the state government authorities to put the accused in solitary confinement in the Sajiwa jail till October 20.Official sources in the meantime said the accused rifleman is being kept in segregation for test identification parade where the victim will identify the accused.
An officer, not below the rank of an SDO, shall arrange and witness the identification test.
Further, it was reliably learnt that within few days Army authorities are likely to plea before the court for handling over the rape case to them for a speedy court martial under the Indian Army Act.
On the other hand, over 700 students in uniform especially from Liberal College and Johnstone Higher Secondary School along with meira paibis late this morning gathered at the gate of Cheirap Court complex, before the accused was brought by the police, protesting the heinous crime and shouting slogans demanding withdrawal of central security forces from the state for safeguarding the dignity of Manipuri womenfolk.
Police later dispersed the protestors before the accused was taken to Sajiwa jail amidst tight security including Assam Rifles.
The police also foiled an attempt of students of Johnstone High School and CC Higher Secondary to take out a protest rally at around 1.10 pm.