Memo submitted to K'taka CM, fresh probe demanded on Richard Loitam
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 19 2012: Expressing displeasure over the investigation process into the suspicious death of Richard Loitam, ten organizations have jointly submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Karnataka demanding fresh investigation, initiate a second opinion to the post-mortem report through a Central Forensic Laboratory and hand over the case to a Central investigation agency.

The joint memorandum of Kuki Students' Organization (Bangalore), Mizo Students' Association (Bangalore), Bangalore Manipuri Students' Association, Assam Society of Bangalore, Hmar Students' Association (Bangalore), Zomi Youth Association (Bangalore), Zeliangrong Students' Union (Bangalore), Manipuri Meitei Association (Bangalore), Tangkhul Students' Union (Bangalore) and Naga Students' Union (Bangalore) pointed out that "Committee on Justice for Richard" was constituted with a combined representation organizations from North East India with an object to get justice in connection with the suspicious death of Richard Loitam .

"As the events leading to the suspicious death of Mr.Richard was highly questionable, the entire ethnic people of the north East India were anxiously waiting for the final outcome of the post-mortem report after consolidation of forensic science lab examination report and histopathology examination report.

But to our utter surprise, the much awaited report has come out 'inconclusive' and the cause of dead was declared 'undetermined.' The committee representing the sentiment of the people of North-East States have no option but to bring to your kind notice with a hope that you would be pleased to order a second opinion by referring the medical examination to a central forensic laboratory and also order for a fresh police investigation leading to the untimely death of Mr.Richard", the joint memorandum said.

It went on to point out that, "As for the investigation of the case itself, we have genuine reasons to believe that the matter had not been given due attention to as may be seen from the following observations: 1.The police complaint reported on 18th April, 2012 by Mr.S Sudhakar, Warden, Acharya New Hostel, clearly stated that Richard was punched on the face by his hostel mates (names also mentioned in the report) on April 17,2012 around 8:30 PM.

It is indeed surprising as to why investigation was not directed against the hostel/institute authorities who did not administer medical attention to Richard and why a violent assault case obviously leading to the demise of Mr.Richard was not booked by police against those assailants? .

.2As per Mr.S Sudhakar's report, Richard was declared dead by Mr.Ajit, the College Doctor around 1:30pm on April 18,2012 at his hostel bed itself.

But instead of informing the police immediately in order to keep the evidence intact, the College authorities took the dead body away to hospital and the Police complaint was made only in the evening.

Why the investigation was not directed towards the seemingly deliberate delay on the part of the Institute's Authority? In fact, due to this delay in reaching the body to the Hospital Mortuary, it seems that the post-mortem procedure could not be brought to the desired effect.

If the body had decayed so much that effective Post Mortem could not be done, who was at fault for that costly delay? - The Hospital authority for not keeping the body at the freezing box or the Police or the Hostel Authority who delayed bringing the body to the Hospital.

.3More than a month has elapsed since this fateful incident had taken place, and yet, no concrete breakthrough has been made thus far by the police investigation except that a few contradictory statements made here and there" .

"The 'Committee on Justice for Richard' has complete confidence in the State Administration under your able leadership, so much so for the competence of the Police administration and yet, it is our earnest request and for the end of justice to the family of Richard and for the entire ethnic population of the North East States, that your good offices is requested to initiate a) A second opinion of the post-mortem by a Central Forensic Laboratory and, b) Open a fresh investigation suo-moto by Central Investigation Agency to arrive at a right conclusion", the joint memorandum added.

The copy of the memorandum has also been forwarded to Governor of Karnataka; Home Minister of Karnataka; Dr.H.T Sangliana, Vice-Chairperson of National Commissioner for Minorities, New Delhi; Chief Secretary of Karnataka; Principal Secretary (Home Department) of Karnataka; Director General and Inspector General of Police of Karnataka and Commissioner of Police, Bangalore.

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