Bail for 4 cops
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 15 2019: Three VDF personnel and one Head Constable of Imphal PS, were released by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal West today after executing Rs 75,000 PR bond and two sureties each before the Court, in connection with the getaway of an NSCN-IM cadre from the custody of Imphal PS on July 10 .

It may be mentioned that the VDF personnel identified as Soraisham Debajit (34) s/o Jilangamba of Sagolband Sayang Pukhri Mapal, Kangabam Thoirensana Mangang (34) s/o (L) Khogendrajit of Sagolband Bijoy Govinda and Thingujam Rajiv (30) s/o (L) Rajen of Sagolband Nepra Menjor Leikai, were disengaged from duty while Head Constable Puyam Nanda (51) s/o Mohori of Lilong Chajing Mamang Leikai was suspended, in connection with the escape of NSCN-IM cadre, PT Thailik Panmei from Imphal PS.

During the hearing today, the VDF personnel and the Head Constable were produced before the Court after the completion of 5 days police custody, along with a prayer for remanding them in judicial custody while on the other hand, their counsels filed remand objection along with prayer for releasing them on bail.

The IO of the case, through the APP, submitted that on July 10, at around 5.30 am, Sub Inspector of Imphal PS reported to the OC stating that NSCN-IM cadre Thailik Panmei who was kept in the lock up had escaped.

In the course of the investigation, all the accused persons were arrested on the day of incident.

It was further submitted that Head Constable Nanda and VDF personnel Thoirensana and Rajiv, after performing their sentry duty, had left the police station without informing their Line Officers and Night Duty Officers and the IO alleged that on that night, the accused individuals were not performing their duty properly and instead were sleeping without taking care of the inmate.

Taking advantage of the situation, Thailik Panmei broke open the wooden door and escaped from the lock up, the IO stated.

The Court, after hearing the submission of the APP and the defense counsels and going through the case record, observed that the accused individuals had been very irresponsible in carrying out their responsibility by forgetting to lock the cell and falling asleep while on duty and making arrangement among themselves without the knowledge of their officers concerned.

However the Court also ruled that the materials available fail to show any elements to support the allegations levelled against the accused personnel entering into a criminal conspiracy in the escape of the NSCN-IM cadre.

As such, the Court declined the police prayer for judicial custody remand and instead ordered all the accused to be released on bail by executing a PR bond of Rs 75,000 and two sureties each.

The Court also directed them not to leave Manipur without permission.

Comment