Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, January 04:
The application for anticipatory bail by the former chief minister of Manipur, RK Ranbir Singh, in connection with the 1991 scandal involving the disappearance of a large quantity of rice procured by the state food and civil supplies department from the Food Corporation of India, was heard by the special court, Manipur east, headed by M Binoykumar Singh today.
RK Ranbir was the chief minister of the state at the time the scandal broke out.
The judge did not however take a decision on whether the plea is to be accepted or rejected.
It may be mentioned that the CBI, who was asked to look into the case by the state government in 1995, has repeatedly questioned RK Ranbir in this connection.
It is also learnt that some CBI officials came in search of RK Ranbir at his home December 28 last.
Ranbir was not at home at the time.
Sources close to RK Ranbir said he had decided to seek anticipatory bail as he believed that the investigation against him was influenced by his political rivals who wanted to humiliate him and ensure his defeat in the forthcoming elections.
It may be mentioned that the two government officials, including the director general, State Academy of Training, L Gangte, who was director, FCS at the time, have also been suspended by the state government.