Ukhrul DC, SP placed under suspension
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 19 2009: Taking a serious view of the brutal killing of the SDO of Kasom Khullen, his driver and a Mandal, the State Government has suspended the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district, Pankaj Kumar Pal and SP A Dorji for dereliction of duty.

On the other hand the Government has also decided to induct the wife of the slain officer to MCS as well as provide Government jobs to the next of kins of the driver and the Mandal according to their educational qualification.

Announcing this during a media conference held at the conference hall of the Chief Minister today, O Ibobi said that as soon the Government received information that SDO Dr Th Kishan, driver Aribam Rajen and Mandal Yumnam Token have been abducted on February an emergency Cabinet meeting was held.

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Accordingly, the IGP (Law and Order III) was deputed to launch a series of search operations at suspected areas to trace the abducted men as well as arrest the culprits, said the Chief Minister.

Though the identity of the killers are yet to be officially announced, the Government has zeroed in on some suspects, said the Chief Minister.

Ibobi said that during the course of the inquiry on whether there were any lapses, lack of co-ordination or dereliction of duty that led to the gruesome killings, it came to light that DC had taken leave for four days from the evening of February 13 .

The DC transgressed official lines when he went on leave even though he was fully aware of the scheduled visit of Works Minister K Ranjit to the district on February 14 and the visit of Panchayati Raj Minister Allauddin Khan on February 16, asserted the Chief Minister.

The DC and SP have been placed under suspension for dereliction of duty and for not maintaining co-ordination.

An inquiry committee headed by two officials, Commissioner (Agriculture) O Nabakishore and IG (Intel) LM Khaute has been constituted to investigate the circumstances that led to the killing of the three employees, Ibobi added.

The Chief Minister further said that in recognition of the selfless service rendered by the late SDO, the Government has relaxed all the norms of the MPSC and inducted the wife of the late officer to the MCS.

The next of kins of driver A Rajen and Mandal Y Token will also be provided Government jobs according to their educational qualifications, he added.

The Government is also trying its best to trace and rescue peon Kapangkhui Zimik of Tangkhul Hundung and village level workers Ramthing of Kasom Khullen and Ramshing of Chongdan village, said the Chief Minister.

Ibobi said that the three are still alive and added that utmost caution is being exercised to ensure their safety.

Appealing to all not to incite communal passion, the Chief Minister said that no one should try to emulate the conduct of evil minds.

Since it would be well nigh impossible to provide security to all the SDOs, the officers have been told that they can work from the district headquarters if there is any threat perception.

As the situation demanded, security escort has been provided to the SDO of Tadubi, informed the Chief Minister.

Once the ongoing recruitment is finalised, one Bn of RIB will be stationed at all the district headquarters, said Ibobi and added that efforts would be made to post at 50 to 60 personnel in all police stations.