Escape of Nando: 2 freed, rest remanded
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 01 2019: Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal East, released two persons who were arrested in connection with the escape of KCP Nando Faction leader, Th Nando, from JNIMS hospital, after furnishing necessary PR bond but remanded all other remaining accused (8 in number) to judicial custody today.

All the accused individuals, Aheibam Rameshwor (53) of Moidangpok Maning Leikai, Yumnam Rajesh (52) of Sagolband Meino Leirak, Hungyo Rockson (45) s/o (L) Stungyo of Nambisha Khullen, Khangembam Arundas (43) of Thoubal Athokpam, Leinlalzon Singson (33) of B Vengnom Churachandpur, Khagembam Naobi of Thoubal Athokpam Mayai Leikai, M Washington Seiyao (29) of Khulimol village, Chandel, Thangsha Makham (27) of Leibi village Chandel, Irom Abe (31) of Phundongbam Mayai Leikai and Khunjamayum Anjali (28) of Sagolmang Mamang Leikai were produced before the Court along with a prayer for remanding them in judicial custody.

The said accused individuals are all jail and security personnel who were deputed for guarding Th Nando.

On the other hand, the counsels of the accused persons, filed a remand objection along with a prayer for releasing them on bail.

During the hearing, the APP of the State, submitted that it is strongly suspected that the arrested individuals conspired to help Nando escape and mentioned that the investigation is at an early stage and even the interrogation is not completed.

However due to the death of Md Manjur Ahamad (who was remanded in police custody in another FIR case), the other accused were produced before the Court today with prayer for further judicial custody remand for smooth investigation of the case, the APP submitted.

On the other hand, the defense counsel of Rameshwor submitted that his client has been suffering from bone cancer since 2008.However the Court observed that the FIR was registered under the main allegation that the accused individuals conspired and assisted Th Nando in escaping from JNIMS hospital.

The Court further observed that four of the accused Aheibam Rameshwor, Yumnam Rajesh, Hungyo Rockson and Lienlalzom Singson, are all Jail officials and Khangembam Naobi, M Washington Seiyao, Thangsha Mekham and Irom Abe are security personnel.

Further going through the records, the Court found that Rameshwor is the warden in charge of Th Nando and it was also observed that he (Rameshwor) left his duty a little earlier by handing over the key to Hungyo Rockson.

Hungyo Rockson and Y Rajesh were not deployed for Th Nando but for other UTP who are undergoing treatment at JNIMS hospital and the Court observed that the only allegation against them is that Rameshwor had handed over the key to them.

It was also stated that Rameshwor did not check whether the lock/handcuffs on Nando was still locked at the time of handing over the key to the other accused individuals and he also did not check if Nando was still in his bed at the time of handing over the key and instead left his duty earlier before the reliever arrived.

After considering the materials on record, the Court granted bail to Y Rajesh, Kh Arundas, M Washington, Thangsha Mekham, after furnishing a PR bond of Rs 1 lakh and a surety each.

The Court then released Y Rajesh and Kh Arundas after furnishing their necessary bonds even though M Washington and Thangsha Mekham, who were granted bail, were sent to judicial custody remand until their bond gets furnished.

The Court further remanded the remaining accused persons to judicial custody.

The Court also directed SP Imphal East to conduct due inquiry in view of the allegation of beating during the interrogation of A Rameshwor as well.

On the other hand, the Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal East visited the Joint Interrogation Cell, JNIMS hospital and other places, as a part of the inquiry carried out by the CJM in connection with the custodial death of Md Manjur Ahamad.

According to a reliable source, a team of Chief Judicial Magistrate led by Judge Ningthoujam Lanleima, visited and looked after the condition of one of accused of the same case, identified as Brojen, presently undergoing treatment at JNIMS.

The team also inspected the JIC where the suspended Manipur Police Constable Md Manjur Ahamad died during interrogation on March 30.The team then visited JNIMS morgue where the body of Manjur Ahamad has been kept for post mortem and visited Porompat PS.

The source further stated that the Court might take the statement of the IO and other police personnel who were involved in the interrogation at JIC.

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