Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 26:
Following the repeated failure of the four Assam Rifles witnesses to appear before the C Upendra Commission, despite numerous summon orders served earlier, the probe panel has today issued bailable warrant of arrest against the four AR men.
The panel took the step following the failure of the AR personnel to appear before the panel today, though summon orders were issued earlier.
The four are Naib Subedar Digambar Dutt, Havildar Suresh Kumar, Rifleman Ajit and Lotha of the 17 Assam Rifles.
Headed by retired Justice C Upendra, the Commission today issued an order demanding the appearance of the witnesses by 10.30 am of Monday.
In order to ensure the appearance of the witnesses, the panel issued the bailable warrant of arrest for a sum of Rs 500 with an equal surety amount each.
If the witnesses appear before the panel during office hour before executing the warrant, the arrest order will be recalled accordingly, the Commission said.
The Commission has also issued an order to the State DGP to execute the process in time.
Following a submission by Colonel Trivedi Prasad, counsel on behalf of the Assam Rifles, that the witnesses will appear before the panel on Friday at 1 pm, the Commission kept on hold the issuance of the warrant of arrest in order to give the witnesses a chance to appear before the panel.
Yesterday, the AR counsel had agreed that the witnesses may be examined in camera at the State guest house today.
However as the AR witnesses failed to appear before the Inquiry Commission today again, C Upendra ruled, "In such circumstances, I am to hold that without lawful excuse, the said witnesses have failed to appear before the Commission," before issuing the warrant of arrest.