MHRC issues notice to CS, DG
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 05 2020:
The Manipur Human Rights Commission has registered a case against SP Imphal West, for "excessive use of force causing severe head injury" to a civilian.
The MHRC registered the case based on a complaint filed by one Phurailatpam Okendra @ Jit of Sagolband Salam Leikai on November 2 alleging he was assaulted by the SP Imphal West on March 30.The Commission heard the case yesterday and fixed November 30 for further proceedings.
The complaint mentioned that Phurailatpam Okendra and his wife went to Nagamapal on a Moped for buying vegetables at around 6 am when curfew imposed due to COVID-19 was relaxed.
After buying vegetables, they were about to cross the road when suddenly, a police officer, later identified as that of the SP of Imphal West hit Okendra on the left side of his head "very hardly" with a large police stick (cane stick).
A few seconds later, Okendra was bleeding severely from his head and he stopped the two wheeler.
Later, he fell unconscious and some individuals gathered on the site gave him first aid.
His wife was also hit but was not injured severely, mentioned the complaint.
The complaint further mentioned that some individuals who were gathered in the area condemned the police officer and asked him to evacuate the injured complainant (Okendra) to the hospital for treatment.
But, the officer went away without heeding the people's appeals.
Later Imphal West Commando OC P Achouba arrived on the spot and enquired about the incident.
P Achouba helped the complainant by putting him inside the police vehicle and evacuated him to RIMS hospital for treatment.
After gaining consciousness, Okendra filed a complaint with the DGP Manipur on March 31 requesting action against the erring police officer.
However even after 6 months, no action has been taken up so far, mentioned the complaint.
The excess use of 'criminal' force by SP Imphal West is not warranted under the law.
The act amounts to an illegal act and violation of the rights of the complainant to his life, dignity and personal liberty.
The act amounts to offence of attempt to murder and accordingly, the police officer should be booked and punished under relevant laws, said the complaint asking for the MHRC to intervene and direct police to file FIR against the SP.
It also sought the respondents to pay compensation of Rs 5 lakh to Okendra for the injury, trauma and other illness caused.
After hearing the case, Acting Chairperson of MHRC, Khaidem Mani asked respondents Chief Secretary and DGP Manipur Police to show cause why the prayer made by the complainant for taking up appropriate action against SP Imphal West should not be allowed on November 30 and fixed the same day for further proceedings.