Abduction and murder of Athuan Abonmai on Sept 22 : Two suspects held, remanded till October 6
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 28 2021: Just five days after the abduction and brutal murder of former president of Zeliangrong Baudi Athuan Abonmai on September 22 at Tamenglong district headquarters, State police have managed to pull up two suspects from their respective residences on September 27, acting on a message from the SP of Tamenglong police.

The two persons who were produced before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Tamenglong were remanded to 9 days police custody till October 6 .

The two suspects have been identified as Ponthan-lung Panmei alias Paul (47) son of Langai Panmei of Konthoujam Maning Tribal Colony, Imphal West and Lanchapou Bosco Gonmei (48) son of (L) Gaikhangsingpou Gonmei of Langol Laimanai.

Presenting the case, the prosecution submitted before the Court that the son of the late Athuan Abonmai, Arai Abonmai (28) reported to the OC of Lamphel police that he has been informed by relatives that his father has been abducted on September 22 at about 11.30 am by cadres of the NSCN (IM) from the polo ground at Tamenglong headquarters.

Abduction and murder of Athuan Abonmai on Sept 22 : Two suspects held, remanded till October 6

Subsequently an FIR was lodged at Lamphel police station and the said case was transferred to Tamenglong police station as the incident had occurred there.

During the course of the investigation and spot investigation one partially burnt white coloured Maruti Gypsy bearing registration number, NL 07-C-5873 and one large metallic hammer were found.

Blood swab suspected to be from the deceased person, Athuan Abonmai was also collected.

The prosecution further submitted that the two accused were allegedly involved in the case and are also members of a terrorist gang and are also raising funds for terror activities. The SP of Tamenglong police was also intimated to effect the arrest of the two accused and a message towards this end was sent on September 26 .

In the follow up action, Ponthanglung Panmei and Lanchapou Gonmei were arrested by a team of Imphal West police commandos on September 27 .

Six mobile handsets were seized and they were then handed over to Tamenglong police.

Submitting his case, the prosecution prayed for 15 days police custody to enable smooth investigation of the case and to identify the actual persons who were involved and to find out the motive of the crime.

The defence counsel on the other hand argued that 15 days is too long a time and prayed for reduction of the custodial period.

On hearing the submissions of either side the Court remanded the two accused to police custody till October 6 .

On the other hand post mortem of the mortal remains of Athuan Abonmai was conducted today in the presence of a Duty Magistrate, JAC members and with full video coverage.

The mortal remains however continues to lie at RIMS morgue as the JAC had earlier asserted that the body would not be claimed until their demands are met.