Robinhood Inquiry Commission : DSP deposes before probe panel
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 14 2015:
Deban DSP, Imphal East district police today deposed before Justice Mutum Binoykumar Commission of Inquiry constituted to probe the death of Sapam Robinhood in police action during the ILPS demand movement on July 8 .
The police officer deposed before the commission that he was overall in-charge of security during the Assembly session and was stationed at Sangakpham area on the day when he received information about a large number of student protesters heading towards Minuthong from Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy at around 1.05 pm.
Soon after, he along with his escort party, rushed to the spot and asked the students to return as 144 CrPC was imposed in the area as the Manipur State Assembly session was going on at that time.
He also mentioned that around 14/15 police and VDF personnel were deployed at Telipati Mandir area on the day.
He further stated that the students went past the police personnel and proceeded towards Minuthong from Telipati side.
The police officer said that he had given an order to one of the police personnel who was at the traffic point to fire a tear gas shell towards the protesters to control them.
Accordingly, two tear gas shells were fired upon the protesters.
Statement and affidavit submitted by DSP Deban before the Commission as one of the police witnesses of the case was cross examined by the counsel of Sapam Robinhood.
During the cross examination, the police officer denied the claim that the student protesters had not pelted stones towards the police during the confrontation.
He also denied the claim that there were few students joining the protest that day.
The police officer admitted that police personnel had not used loud speaker or PA system to disperse the student protesters who staged the rally demanding implementation of ILPS in the State on that day.
The cross examination of the police officer will continue tomorrow.
Counsel from the side of Commission will cross examine the statement of DSP Deban.
So far, 15 witnesses have already given their statements before the Commission including students, JAC members.
JCILPS convener Khomdram Ratan and other witnesses summoned by the inquiry Commission.
It may be mentioned that IO of the case had deposed as a witness during the last sitting of the Commission last month.
It may also be mentioned that altogether 12 police witnesses have submitted their affidavits before the Commission including the 6 personnel who have been placed under suspension in connection with the case.