Notice served
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 05 2024: The High Court of Manipur today issued a notice of motion in connection with the gruesome murder of Akoijam Nongnganba on February 12, 2023 .

The High Court today heard a writ petition filed by Akoijam Shantibala Devi seeking justice for the brutal killing of her son, Akoijam Nongnganba in which NSCN (IM) cadres were allegedly involved.

The petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeks a directive to transfer the investigation of the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) due to concerns over the ongoing investigation by the State Police.

Shantibala Devi contended that the investigation has been hampered by the political complexities surrounding the ceasefire agreement between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India.

The lifeless body of Akoijam Nongnganba was discovered on February 12, 2023 at Changoubung village, around 3 Kms from Kangpokpi police station.

According to the petition, Nongnganba left home the previous evening, accompanied by a friend, but never returned.

His family initially believed he might have stayed at his resort, 'Cicada' .

However, the following day, Shantibala Devi received a devastating phone call from an unknown person, informing her that her son's body had been found.

Eyewitness accounts and subsequent investigations revealed that Nongnganba had been abducted and brutally assaulted.

His body bore multiple injuries indicating a violent and premeditated attack.

The postmortem report confirmed that the cause of death was intracranial haemorrhage due to blunt force injuries to the head, strongly suggesting a homicide.

The investigation revealed that members of the NSCN(IM) were allegedly involved in the murder.

Despite the seriousness of the crime and the involvement of a proscribed organization, the State police have failed to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, citing political constraints related to the ceasefire agreement with the NSCN(IM), the petitioner argued.

During today's proceedings, the High Court presided over by Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh, issued a notice of motion to the respondents, returnable on October 22, 2024 .

Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani appeared on behalf of the petitioner, assisted by Advocate Meihoubam Rakesh.

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