Charges framed; accused attacked
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, March 04 2013:
After finalizing hearing of the charge-sheets filed by the police against Yumnam William and Thongam Tarun, the two accused in the rape of a student of TG Higher Secondary School after being offering some drinks laced with sedatives at a restaurant located at Changei Ucheckkon along Airport road on October 20 last year, Session Judge, Manipur East has today framed charges for conducting trial against the accused duo after they pleaded not guilty.
A resident of Khagempalli Pankha Leikai under Imphal West district, William (28) is a personnel of Imphal West district police, who is now under suspension while Thongam Tarun (27), an actor/singer of Manipuri digital film, is a resident of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai, also under Imphal West district.
After both of them pleaded not guilty of the charges leveled against them in the court which wrapped up hearing of the charge-sheets today, Sessions Judge, Manipur East framed charges for conducting trial.
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Earlier, the contents of the charges were read over and explained to the accused and asked them whether they should plead to the said charges or claim to be tried.
The duo pleaded not guilty and claimed to be tried.
Accordingly, Session Judge, Manipur East M Manojkumar framed the charges under Section 120-B and 376 of IPC and fixed March 12 for recording the statements of the prosecution witnesses. On the other hand, a minor skirmish broke out in the complex of Sessions Judge, Manipur West district when Latjanthai Malangmei, another rape accused was being brought for appearance in the court today. Malangmei and his colleague Kamei Dibonpou, both cadres of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) reportedly deserted the UG group on October 5, 2012 and later allegedly raped four minor girls on that day at Tousengjang village in Tamenglong district.
However, Kamei committed suicide the same day after the rape.
The victims are said to be minor in the age group of 14 � 16 years.
Following the news of scheduled appearance of Malangmei, a large crowd including the families of the victims gathered at the court complex.
As soon as Malangmei was brought inside the court complex, the irate crowd charged towards him with some spiting on his face while others hitting him with sticks.
Security personnel deployed inside the court complex had a tough time in trying to control the situation from getting out of hand.
Meanwhile, Rongmei Lu Phuam (RLP) and Naga Women's Union (NWU) have submitted joint memorandums to both Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and Imphal West sessions Court Judge demanding deliverance of prompt justice in the rape case.