New Delhi, August 29: The Defence Ministry today decided to have DNA test conducted on the Assam Rifles personnel accused of raping and killing Manorama Devi in Manipur.

An Army spokesman said the Presiding Officer of the Army Court of Inquiry has asked the Superintendent of Police for taking the blood samples of the personnel at the earliest.

"Priority action in this regard has been requested by the superior military authorities," the spokesman said adding the move would ensure "total transparency and early dispensation of justice".

The army authorities have formally requested the Manipur state authorities for getting these tests done expeditiously, he said and reiterated that "should any guilt be established of these personnel, prompt and exemplary disciplinary action will be taken." Manorama's death had sparked off a large scale agitation in the state with people demanding the withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

Four personnel of the 17th Assam Rifles battalion -- Naik Subedar Digambar Dutt, Havildar Suresh Kumar, Rifleman Lotha and Rifleman Ajit Singh have been accused of having raped and killed Manorama Devi.

Th Manorama Devi was picked up from her house at Bamon Kampu area near here on July 10 night by 17th AR personnel after giving formal arrest memo and her body was found the next day at nearby Ngariyan area.

Our Staff Reporter adds: When The Sangai Express contacted the State police, a reliable source informed that the Army court of Inquiry has asked the State police to collect the blood samples of the Assam Rifles personnel.

The source said that since today was a Sunday, nothing could be done but added that most likely, the formalities of conducting the blood test are likely to be finalised by tomorrow or by Tuesday.

Blood sample of a platoon of the Assam Rifles, who were responsible for conducting the operation in arresting Manorama, will be tested, said the source further.

PIB Defence Wing in a statement also confirmed that the Army has asked the SP to collect the blood samples of the AR men at the earliest.

The Army Court of Inquiry has requested the State Govt to treat the matter on a priority basis.

The statement added that the Army has reiterated that any guilty personnel will be promptly booked and punished.

Allegations that Manorama was sexually assaulted gained grounds after the forensic report conducted on the vaginal swab and undergarments of the woman from Kolkata confirmed that there were blood and semen stain on the petticoat of the late woman.

This report was spelt out by the C Upendra Commission.

A second post mortem was necessitated after family members of the deceased woman urged for a second test.

The Defence spokesperson in Kolkata had earlier gone on record and stated that the post mortem report had negated the rape allegations.

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