MPCC calls for end to custodial deaths
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 06 2022:
Citing the controversial death of one Arambam Nanao after he was pulled up by police even though neither any FIR nor any case was registered, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has called upon all the people of Manipur to stand united so as to avert such incidents in future.
Speaking to media persons at Congress Bhavan here today, MPCC spokesman and legal department chairman Md Ravi Khan said that Arambam Nanao of Sagolband Kangabam Leikai died after he was subjected to interrogation in police custody.
Saying that Congress party shares the grief and pain of Arambam Nanao's family, Md Ravi Khan noted that Nanao's mother filed a petition at the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate and the Court has ordered a judicial enquiry into the death of Nanao.
He then hailed the Court for the timely action.
Md Ravi Khan said that there have been many cases of custodial death since 2017 when BJP and its allies came to power in the State.
Even a police personnel died in custody on March 31, 2019 as he was subjected to extreme torture after setting up a joint interrogation cell 'unlawfully', he said.
In connection with the killing of social worker Athuan Abonmai after he was abducted by some armed men from near the venue of a public function held at Tamenglong which was attended by Chief Minister N Biren, two individuals were arrested and produced before Court.
However, the Court categorically stated that the duo were not involved in the abduction and killing of Athuan Abonmai and thus they were released on bail.
On the other hand, the Government is still unable to establish the facts and circumstances leading to the death of Athuan Abonmai, the MPCC spokesman remarked.
Questioning as to why superior officers have been feigning ignorance of what SI Thokchom Jitendra did to Arambam Nanao, Md Ravi Khan asserted that SI Jitendra could not have done anything without knowledge of the Officer-in-charge of Imphal police station.
He then expressed keen desire for the authorities concerned to initiate necessary process so as to award befitting punishment to all those involved in the death of Arambam Nanao.
If the people remain silent on the death of Nanao just because the authorities have expressed sympathy to the bereaved family, many more case of custodial deaths may unfold in future, he warned.
He went on to ask the identity of the owner of the gold/gold ornaments if the torture of Nanao was related with borrowing of gold/gold ornaments.
The Congress spokesman said that the people need to put a stop to such practice of taking civilians into custody and subjecting them to extreme torture without even registering any FIR.
Many other top office bearers of MPCC were also present at the press meet.