Police remand of SI Jitendro extended
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 10 2022:
CJM Imphal West, in a virtual hearing on Tuesday, extended the police remand SI Thokchom Jitendro, who is an accused in the custodial death case of goldsmith Arambam Nanao, to another seven days.
As per submission of the APP, Jitendro admitted of committing the offence and he arrested Nanao on request of his batch-mate SI K Tejkumar of CDO Imphal East as well as on receipt of a complaint report lodged by one Kanga bam Jackey, proprietor of Mouru & Sons Jewellery, Kangabam Leikai.
The accused also contended that during questioning, Nanao admitted to receiving 60 sans (15 tolas) of gold from Jackey.
As he refused to disclose the whereabouts of the gold, the SI beat him with a cane on his buttock two or three times after which Nanao disclosed that he mortgaged 25 Sans of Gold at a jewellery shop located at Uripok Chakrikom, 15 Sans of Gold given to his Mother-in-Law and sold 20 Sans.
Considering the circumstances, the APP submitted that Jitendro needs to be subjected to thorough interrogation.
Other witnesses associated and known in the incident, or in the group and other civilian witnesses familiar with the case should also be examined while the accused person is under police custody, maintained the APP and prayed for granting further police custody to facilitate proper investigation of the case.
On perusal of the remand prayer and submissions of the APP, the court observed that a clear case of instigation by SI Tejkumar Singh attached to CDO, Imphal East could be made out as provided U/S107 of IPC.
On being enquired, the IO of the case submitted that SI K Tejkumar is out of station for medical treatment because of which he could not be arrested.
The IO further stated that the vehicle, Honda Activa (white in colour) used by the accused (SI Jitendro) in committing the offence as well as the Swift Car which was taken by the accused at the time of arresting the deceased is yet to be seized.
The counsel of the accused submitted that he filed the present application objecting the judicial custody of the accused person.
However, he has no objection with regard to further remanding him to police custody but prayed for shortening the period of detention.
After considering the prayer, the court observed that adequate time may be granted to IO of the case for conducting thorough investigation and remanded the accused to further police custody till May 16 .
The court also asked the IO to produce the accused person either at JNIMS or RIMS for medical check-up every 48 hours or whenever is needed while he is in police custody.