Court issues NBW against Th Nando, search intensifies
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 30 2019: Session Judge Imphal West has issued warrant of arrest against Thokchom Nando, the accused in the Lungnila Elizabeth murder case, and has fixed April 12 for producing the accused before the Court for further proceeding of the trial.

The Court order was passed today after the hearing of the case during which other co accused of the trial, Letkhosei Haokip alias James Kuki (currently in judicial custody of Sajiwa Central Jail) and A Rame (who is presently on bail) appeared along with their respective counsels.

A report from SP Sajiwa Central Jail was also submitted before the Session Court stating that the since November 26 last year, Thokchom Nando was kept at Male Ortho Unit bed number 9 of JNIMS hospital, by an order of the same Court dated October 29 last year but he escaped from JNIMS hospital at around 2.30 am of March 26 this year.

On the other hand, special counsel of CBI filed an application praying for issuing non bailable warrant of arrest against Thokchom Nando alias Nanao.

Considering the circumstances, the Court issued warrant of arrest against Nando and fixed April 12 for production of the accused persons for further proceeding of the case.

It may be mentioned that the trial began from February 6, 2008, onward after the investigating agency, CBI, submitted charge sheets against Thokchom Nando, Letkhosei Haokip alias James Kuki, A Rame and O Deben.

During the course of the trial, O Deben passed away.

It may also be mentioned that then 8 years old Lungnila Elizabeth, daughter of then Minister Francis Ngajokpa was kidnapped by some unknown individuals from in front of her school gate ( Little Flower School) on November 4, 2003 .

Her highly decomposed body was found in a sack at Tera Sadokpam Leikai on November 12, triggering mass protest from the public.

On the other hand, police have intensified their search for the escapee Nando.

A combined team of Imphal East district police and special commando unit conducted cordon and search operations in suspected areas including Ishingthembi and five other neighbouring areas under Sagolmang PS of Imphal East district to nab the accused.

Farm houses, huts and brick fields were searched by the police team at P Khonomphai village, Ishingthembi Kongba Maru village, SD Molnom village, Ishingthembi village, Lairok Kom village and Kongba Atingkhok Maru area.

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