Lady lawyer reportedly intimidated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 12, 2013:
Advocate Hajarimayum Gangarani was reportedly threatened with dire consequences by some people led by the president, vice-president and general secretary of the Naharol Leishemba Club, Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai in case she does not withdraw a criminal case.
Speaking to media persons at Cheirap Court complex today, AMBA president Khaidem Mani said that AMBA after receiving a complaint from Gangarani strongly condemned the act of intimidation and urged relevant authorities to take up necessary action against all the accused.
Mani also appealed to the Naharol Leishemba Club not to indulge in such rowdy acts which have more affinity to a culture of mob justice.
Since the day she was threatened by the local club functionaries, Gangarani is not living in her Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai residence out of fear.
Advocate Gangarani appeared on behalf of petitioner Gurumayum Radhamani (24) of Sagolband Tera Sapam Leirak which filed a criminal complaint case in the Court of JMIC, Imphal against W Ratankumar (25) and his mother W (O) Sorojini (52) of Chingmeirong Bazar under Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005.Ratankumar is the petitioner's husband and Sorojini her mother-in-law.
After hearing both sides, the Court issued an interim order on August 5 to hand over Radhamani's three year old daughter to her who was with her father.
In line with the Court order, Radhamani took her baby from her husband at 5.30 pm of the same day with the help of police.
Not long after, a group of 29/30 people led by Naharol Leishemba Club president Leishangthem Pratap, vice president Konsam Manitomba and general secretary Konsam Jinedy came to the home of Gangarani at about 7 same night and raised an uproar accusing the Advocate of using unjustified means in securing the child's custody on behalf of her client.
Even after showing the Court order, the group threatened Gangarani with dire consequences if she does not hand over the girl to Ratankumar.
Fearful of the group's reaction, Gangarani went to the petitioner's home but Radhamani was not found there.
Finally, Gangarani brought the girl from Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai where Radhamani was staying the night with her aunt and handed over the girl to the club.
It is sheer rowdyism and uncalled for for a local club to interfere in a divorce and threatened someone who was doing her duty.
Earlier on July 9, the Naharol Leishemba Club convened a meeting and settled the divorce case of Ratankumar and Radhamani out of Court after which the father was given the girl's custody.
On the charge of not abiding by the July 9 meeting resolution, the club issued on order on August 5 and barred Gangarani from using the local public hydrant, community pond as well as the crematorium.
Highlighting all these facts, a complaint was lodged at Imphal Police Station on August 8, subsequent upon which an FIR was registered.
AMBA would be constrained to devise another strategy if police do not take up necessary actions promptly.
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