'Rape' accused sent to juvenile home
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 11 2016:
In a significant turn of event, two prime accused of Ngairangbam 'gang-rape' case have turned out to be juveniles.
As the counsels of these accused submitted Class X reading certificates issued by the Principals of their respective schools, CJM Imphal West ordered them to Juvenile Observation Home, Takyelpat while the third accused Atom Naoton (21) s/o Ingocha of Khumbong Kei-thel was released on bail.
The trio who were earlier lodged at Imphal West wom-en police station were pro- duced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West under FIR Number 12 (2) 2016 of Imphal West women police station under Section 376/120(B) and 34 IPC.
During today's hearing, mothers of the two accused submitted separate applications claiming that their sons are juveniles.
Their counsels pleaded the Court to forward the case to the Juvenile Justice Board by submitting Class X reading certificates in support of the claims of their mothers.
However, the APP objected the claim and pleaded the Court to make an enquiry regarding the matter.
After perusing the arguments of both the sides, the Court ordered to send the two juveniles to Juvenile Observation Home, Takyelpat.
The Court also decided to bifurcate the case with the Juvenile Justice Board, Imphal West and ordered the IO of the case to take up necessary steps regarding the matter.
Regarding the third accused Atom Naoton, the defence counsel pleaded the Court for his release claiming that he was not involved in the incident at all.
After perusing the case diary and studying the statement given by the alleged rape survivor, the Court released him on bail on a surety bond of Rs 30,000 .