Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 14:
The Manipur police have furnished investigation report before the Manipur Human Rights Commission pertaining to the controversial custodial death of one Reishang Shinglai at Litan police station lockout in June this year.
The police report contended that so far no evidence could be found to accuse police personnel for the death of the detainee inside the lock-up cell.
The MHRC had on June 24 asked the State DGP to submit detailed report on the case.
Even though the police in compliance to the MHRC instruction had submitted preliminary report the rights panel on November 25 insisted that the final report be submitted within four weeks.
Complying to the proceedings of the panel, the police presented the investigation report on December 10 explaining post mortem on Reishang's body was conducted on June 12 at RIMS mortuary.
The entire-medical procedure were video taped, iterated the report while mentioning of experts' opinion that no trace could be found of signs of drugs or 'drink' in the viscera there leading to speculation that the cause of death may be due to asphyxia resulting from hanging.
As per opinion of the experts the viscera of the deceased was preserved and sent for chemical analysis at Central Forensic Laboratory, Kolkata.
The investigation of the case is pending due to want of expert-opinion from the Kolkata laboratory, said the police report while contending that in case the same laboratory also failing to detect traces of drug or 'drink' it could be conclusively established that the victim had committed suicide leaving no room for foul play theory as floated in various circles.
So far the investigation reveal no evidence Of circumstances that points to motive for any police personnel to slay Reishang, the report further said while informing to the MHRC of the Investigation Officer who previously handled the case of being transferred to another place.
The case is being handled by a Sub-Inspector ranked police official at the new IO, it added.
Mention may be made that Reishang was arrested by a constable of Litan PS on June 7, 2004 and when his wife Rachel Shinglai enquired about her husband the next day, Reishang was not found at the lock-up.