Rape accused examined
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04 2018: Examination of Soibam Dhanabir, the individual accused in the alleged rape and murder of RK Ratanmala, was held before the Session Court Imphal West today.

The Court also fixed August 21 for the argument hearing of the case.

Soibam Dhanabir (40) s/o S Tomba' of Ningombam Mayai Leikai, who is presently out on bail, appeared before the Court along with his counsel for the examination under section 313 CrPC.

After the examination, Soibam Dhanabir submitted that he will not produce any witness in his defense after which the Court fixed August 21 for the argument hearing.

The deposition of the 10, Th Vikramjit (then SDPO Singjamei) was cross examined by the defense counsel as the last prosecution witness of the case on July 31.Altogether 24 prosecution witnesses have deposed before the Court in connection with the case starting from August 14, 2014.The charge sheet was filed by Th Vikramjit before the Court on September 26, 2013, after the completion of the investigation, against the accused under section"302, 346 and 201 IPC.

It may be mentioned that the victim, RK Ratanmala, was found brutally murdered at Poila paddy field located between Hiyangthang and Langthabal Phuramakhong in January 2010, a day after she went out of her house.

She was found with her phanek lifted up to her waist and her sweater and inner wears removed thus raising suspicion that she might have been raped before she was murdered by the accused.

Straws were also found scattered in and around the spot where the dead body was found.

Apart from strangulation marks on her neck, injuries were also found on the victim's head suspected to be caused by a hard object.

The accused, Soibam Dhanabir, surrendered before the police a few days after the incident.

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