Lungnila' murderers still roaming freely
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 03 2012:
Although 9 years have passed since the brutal incident of killing of baby Lungnila Elizabeth after being kidnapped from the gate of Little Flower School, her murderers still roam freely in the open as the government fails to initiate necessary legal action against them.
Lungnila Elizabeth, then a student of class III in Little Flower School was picked up by unknown miscreants from the gate of the school on November 4, 2003 but her body was dumped inside a sack at Sangaiprou Sadokpam six days after, on
November 12 .
Lungnila was the daughter of Francis Ngajokpa, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
After an investigation into the case by CBI, Crime Branch, Kolkata, a charge sheet was framed against four accused in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal few years back.
The four accused are Thokchom Nando, Ningombam Rome Meetei, Okram Deven and Letkhosei Haokip.
Letkhosei Haokip is said to be the brain behind the sensational kidnapping and subsequent murder of a innocent girl which sent shockwaves among the people, the prime accused in the murder case.
Among the four accused, Okram Deven had been reportedly killed by unknown armed persons some years back.
After necessary proceedings, the charge sheet framed against the accused was referred to the Court of Session Judge, Manipur East for further action on the case.
However, with a number of Session Judges having got retired from their respective posts, the case could not be proceeded for quite some time.
Later on, charge hearings were carried out.
Up till now, the statements of 23 witnesses have been recorded.
However, as how long the trial period would continue, when the when the culprits would be given their due punishment in accordance to the law of the land remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, one of the accused, Thokchom Nando, who is presently placed in Sajiwa Central jail as an under trial prisoner (UTP) has filed an application to the Session Judge, Manipur East Court, requesting to direct the Superintendent of Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, to relieve him from solitary confinement and provide him with proper medical treatment.
Accordingly, the Session Judge in an order issued last month sought report from the Superintendent of Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa in connection with solidarity confinement of Nando in the Sajiwa Jail since August 30 last.
The report is to be submitted by November 5, which has also been fixed as the date for hearing of the petition.