Rape case hearing
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 26 2018:
The Investigation Officer of the RK Ratanmala alleged rape and murder case, was discharged after his examination and cross examination was held before the Court of Session Judge Imphal West.
The IO of the case, Thokchom Vikramjit, Commandant 3rd IRB, then SDPO Singjamei, gave his statement before the Court as prosecution witness against the accused Soibam Dhanabir (40) s/o S Tomba of Ningombam Mayai Leikai, who is presently out on bail.
The IO's statement was examined by the Court and also cross examined by the counsel of the accused before being discharged from the case.
The Court fixed March 7 for further hearing and examination of the prosecution witness of the case.
The charge sheet of the case was submitted before the Court, some four and a half years after the incident of the heinous crime, against the accused under section 302 (murder) and section 102 for destroying the evidence in the rape and murder case of the victim RK Ratanmala alias Ithoi d/o RK Ruhini alias Bhubansana of Khurai Chingambam Leikai in the mid part of 2014 .
The trial of the case began on August 14, 2014, with the examination of the first prosecution witness.
It may be mentioned that RK Ratanmala was found brutally murdered at Poila paddy fields, located between Hiyangthang and Langthabal Phuramakhong, on January 30, 2010, a day after she went out of her home.
She was found with her phanek lifted up to her waist and with her sweater and inner wear removed lending suspicion that she was raped before being murdered by the accused.
Straws were also found scattered in and around the area where the body was found and apart from strangulation marks on the victim's neck, injuries were also found on her head suspected to be made with a hard object.