Govt officials held on forgery charge
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 12 2023: Imphal East police arrested at least five Government officials including a former SDC and former Sub-Registrar on graft charge as they have been accused of forging a Government land record.

Reportedly, the five accused allegedly transferred Government lands to a private individual as a gift deed.

The accused identified as G Chinglensana Kabui (51), s/o (L) G Yaima Kabui of Kakhulong Paona Keithel, then SDC Heingang; Moirangthem Sanatomba (48), s/o Noyon Moirangthem of Khurai Chaithabi Leikai, then circle mandal; Leishangthem Bishwanath (48), s/o L Salam of Khonghampat Mayai Leikai, then circle mandal; Sagolsem Ibomcha Singh (62), s/o (L) S Maipak of Langathel Moirang Leikai, Thoubal District retired Sub- Registrar Porompat and Khundrakpam Damayanti Devi (59), w/o Maibam Dilip Singh of Wangkhei Konsam Leikai were arrested from their respective houses on March 10 and March 11 .

Speaking to media persons in this regard at Porompat today, Imphal East Deputy Commissioner Khumanthem Diana said that two complaints were lodged to Porompat police and Heingang police to take up legal action against former SDC Heingang and his officials over fabrication of Government land record at Nilakuthi revenue village on March 10 .

Saying that the Government land at Nilakuthi was found altered to private property as a gift deed without proper enquiry and verification, Kh Diana maintained that transfer of a gift deed is valid only if it is done among family members as per the office memorandum issued by the Government in July 2021 .

According to Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960, parents, grandchildren and brothers (members of joint Hindu families) are counted as family members but the Government land at Nilakuthi was found transferred to a third person as a gift deed by flouting the guidelines of the Act.

She further stated that the accused including the former SDC and former Sub-Registrar are now in police custody while investigation is underway.

The Deputy Commissioner went on to state that Government employees who engage in illegal works will not be spared under any circumstances.

According to senior officer of Imphal East police, a complaint was lodged by Shamim Ahamad Additional Deputy Commissioner Imphal East on March 10 stating that two gifts deeds were found registered by S Ibomcha then Sub Registrar Porompat and his staff on June 8, 2022 in defiance of Government order.

Based on the complaint, a regular case was registered at Porompat police station under different Sections of IPC and 148 MLR & LR Act 1960 for investigation.

They (the accused) were produced before the of Duty Magistrate Imphal East along with a prayer to remand them to 5 days police custody.

The Court on perusal of the case record and after hearing the submission of the IO of the case remanded Sagolsem Ibomcha Singh and Khundrakpam Damayanti Devi to police custody till March 13 and the remaining three accused to police custody till March 15 .

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