Abonmai case: Court grants bail to accused
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 27 2021:
Special Judge (NIA) on Monday granted bail to two accused people, after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) failed to provide supporting materials to the court.
The Court approved the bail applications of Ponthalung Panmei alias Paul (47) s/o Langai Panmei of Konthoujam Maning Tribal Colony and Lanchapou Bosco Gonmei (48) s/o (L) Gaikhangs-ingpou Gonmei of Langol Laimanai, mentioned as accused in the murder of Athuan Abonmai on September 22, after the agency failed to provide materials supporting their prayers for extension of judicial custody.
The Court had earlier reserved the bail hearing till December 21.On Monday, after perusing submissions of counsels of the accused and Special PP of the NIA, the Court granted bail to the two accused people on execution of a PR bond of Rs 1 lakh each.
A team of Imphal West District Police Commandos had arrested the two from their respective residences in'connection with the murder of Athuan Abonmai.
NIA had taken over the investigation of the case in compliance with an order of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
During Mondays hearing, the Court observed that the investigation into the case is still in the early stage.
However, the investigating agency is yet to produce any evidence or materials proving that the two accused people were involved in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Athuan Abonmai.
On top of this, the statements of the witnesses did not mention any connection of the two accused with the incident.
One of the accused had admitted to transferring Rs 70,000 to NNC Zeliangrong.
But NIA is yet to provide any connection or linkage of the transferred money with Athuan Abonmai's kidnap and murder case.
After granting the bail, the Court then instructed the two accused people to come to the investigating agency and the court whenever they are required to do so.
It further urged against intimidating the prosecution witnesses to change their statements, while adding that they cannot leave the state without the Court's permission.