Police probe release of accused in drug cases
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 27 2022: Police teams reportedly investigated into various cases of release of accused persons in drug haul cases prior to completion of the enquiry process and submitted a detailed report on the probe to the government authority.

Sources informed that the special enquiry was initiated subsequent to instances of persons involved in drug haul cases getting out on bail and consequently affecting the enquiry process.

Recounting that Manipur government launched 'War on Drug' campaign with the main objective of making the state free from drugs and saving the future generation by uprooting drug business, traffickers and users, the source confided that in-spite of police and paramilitary forces busting drug manufacturing units and arresting scores of drug traffickers and users, letting them off, especially traffickers/owners might demoralise the security forces and dilute real purpose of the campaign.

Asserting that security forces are giving their best to award punishment to arrested drug traffickers by registering cases under ND & PS Act but many known drug offenders are being released even before launch of full-scale investigation, one of the sources opined that giving the accused persons the opportunity to enjoy normal life has not only reduced fear among drug traffickers of getting punishment but also led to suppression of drug haul cases without ascertaining origin of the seized drugs.

This has also increased suspicion among some sections of the society about existence of a big gang which uses different pressure tactics to secure release of arrested drug traffickers/owners within a short time.

Consequently, a departmental enquiry on early release of arrested drug dealers by law court was conducted and report on the same submitted to the special secretary (home) very recently.

Among other cases, the source disclosed that an enquiry was conducted by an ADGP ranked officer regarding the release of all those involved in the Kangpokpi drug haul case.

On May 9 this year, personnel of Kangpokpi police station seized 2.131 kg heroin from a Honda City car from near Dali village along NH-2 road and two occupants of the car identified as Sonlensei Haokip (23) of G Khonom village and Jamgoulen Haokip (21) of Kimkim village both in Churachandpur district were arrested and a case under Section 21(C)/29/60(3) under ND&PS Act Registered in Kangpokpi PS.

As per disclosure of Sonlensei and Jamgoulen, owner of the drug Lunminthang Haokip alias Mimin, head constable of Manipur police attached to CID (SB) Henglep, was arrested on May 10 and registered an FIR against him.

However, special judge (NDPS) Senapati on August 2 granted interim bail to Lunminthang Haokip and released from Sajiwa jail.

The enquiry report mentioned that the court called bail objection report on June 3 and 21 while Lunminthang was still in judicial custody.

IO of the case submitted bail objection report to the court on June 25 and accordingly the bail was rejected.

Further, the court on July 17 informed IO of the case to submit bail objection report within July 21.During the hearing of the case on July 21, the court informed SP Sajiwa jail to submit medical report of accused Lunminthang which was complied with on July 26 mentioning that Lunminthang has complaint of chest pain, is a diabetic and needs medical examination.

However, referring him to JNIMS hospital would be problematic con sidering the COVID-19 situation.

During the bail hearing conducted on medical ground on July 27 the court assured of issuing necessary order and scheduled next hearing of the case on August 3 .

However, the same court conducted the hearing on August 2 and ordered an interim bail.

Consequently, SP Sajiwa jail released Lunminthang Haokip on August 8 after getting the court's order on August 6 .

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