Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate frees five arrested ATSUM leaders
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 08 2022:
All the five All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) leaders who were arrested and sent to jail on the charge of conspiring to impose economic blockade on National Highways and disrupt supply of essential commodities to the State have been released.
The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West passed an order to this effect this evening.
ATSUM president Paothinthang Lupheng (45) s/o Paohao Lupheng of Khomunnom village, general secretary Andria Sinruwang (36) s/o SR Ngamdil of Unopat village, information secretary Khaiminlen Doungel (35) s/o Douthang Doungel of Gengjang Leimakhong, assistant secretary, forest and environment Marankhai Awungshi (31) s/o AS Wungkato of Tashar village and advisor John H Pulamte (51) s/o (L) Laithlunglein of Rangkai, presently staying at Games Village Zone III were remanded to judicial custody on Saturday.
The police submitted their final report today before the Court of CJM, Imphal West where complainant of the case Wahengbam Chinglemba s/o W Kuber of Uripok Sorbon Thingel was also present.
The complainant's statement was recorded and he expressed no objection to the nature of investigation and finding thereof.
He also had no objection in accepting the closure report/final report of the IO of the case.
The Court, on perusal of the final report of the IO, observed that despite the best attempt by the IO of the case nothing much incriminating could be found against the accused even though the investigation revealed that some unknown persons engaged in untoward incidents during the shutdown/blockade called by the ATSUM in the name of the organisation.
The final report also revealed that the accused persons have no direct link with the said offence apart from being office bearers of the ATSUM.
In the backdrop of the given circumstances and also bearing in mind the complainant's acceptance of the final/closure who was personally present in the Court, the Court observed that there is no reason to believe that there are any lapses in the investigation.
The Court order mentioned that the present case may be revived as and when any evidence has been brought forth.
Accepting the final report, the Court passed an order for release of all the five ATSUM leaders on the ground of lack of sufficient evidence.