UG cadres involved in killing 'rapist' held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17 2020:
A combined team of Imphal East district police commandos and columns of 6 Assam Rifle and 30 Assam Rifles, arrested two active members of UNLF who are allegedly involved in the killing of rape accused Heisnam Lalboi alias Dhanachandra in September last year and the shooting (and injuring) of another rape accused Sandam Bhogen in August, 2017.The combined team was also able to seized two loaded 9 mm pistols from the two individuals.
Briefing media persons at Imphal East SP conference hall today, SP Haobijam Jogeshchandra paraded the arrested individuals along with the seized weapons and informed that as a part of the intensified security measures taken up by Imphal East district police prior to the Republic Day celebration, a combined team of Imphal East commando and columns of 6 Assam Rifles and 30 Assam Rifles, conducted a cordon and search operation at Top Khongnangkhong area today morning.
During the operation, two active members of UNLF, identified as Koijam Jiten alias Kanglenjao (47) s/o Mangi of Naoremthong Khullem Leikai and Athokpam Somokanta alias Inaocha (40) s/o Khomdom of Tera Sapam Leirak, were arrested from the eastern side of Top Khongnangkhong bridge while they were travelling aboard a red Chevrolet UVA.
The security team further recovered a Pietro Beretta Gardone VT pistol made in Italy (loaded with 6 live rounds in the magazine) and one Steyr Mannlicher Austria Steyr M9-A1 pistol (loaded with 5 live rounds in the magazine) from the arrested individuals as well.
During interrogation, the two individuals revealed that they were involved in shooting and injuring rape convict Sandam Bhogen of Sairemkhul Mayai Leikai (who was on bail at that time) on August 8, 2017 at Sagolband Khamnam Bazaar while he was returning from Cheirap Court after appearing for the trial case.
The SP explained that the task was carried out by Koijam Jiten, one Brojen from Khangabok and one (L) Tomba of Khongman Mangjil Mamang Leikai.
The SP conveyed that the two further revealed that they were involved in the killing of rape accused Heisnam Lalboi alias Dhanachandra of Thanga Heisnam Leikai, on September 8 last year, for raping a minor girl.
The hit was carried out by Koijam Brojen, Athokpam Somokanta and another Brojen from Khangabok, the SP said, adding that other individuals involved in shooting /killing the rapists (as revealed by the arrested persons) namely self styled Major of UNLF Major Boyjao and Brojen from Khangabok, are still at large while Wangkhem Tomba of Khongman Mangjil Mamang Leikai passed away.
Claiming that efforts are underway to nab the remaining accused involved in the cases, the SP said that Koijam Jiten and Athokpam Somokanta, along with the seized weapons would be handed over to Porompat PS for taking up necessary legal against.
It may be mentioned that Sandam Bhogen, who was shot and injured on August 8, 2017, was later convicted by the Special Judge, POCSO, Imphal West, on October 19, 2018 and sentenced to 20 years in jail, under POCSO Act for committing sexual assault upon a (then three and half year old) minor.
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