I feel I shall die in peace: Herojit
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 20 2016 : Suspended Head Constable Thounaojam Herojit along with eight others accused in July 23 Khwai-ramband bazar incident today appeared before District and Sessions Court, Imphal East.

All the accused were supposed to appear before District and Sessions Court, Imphal West.

However, they appeared before the District and Sessions Court, Imphal East as District and Sessions Court, Imphal West Judge M Manoj was out of station.

The Judge along with some staff of High Court of Mani-pur and Law Secretary have gone to Tamenglong to look into the infrastructure requirements of CJM Court of the district.

As such, today's proceedings of District and Sessions Court, Imphal West were handled by District and Sessions Court, Imphal East.

Womenfolk escort Herojit to Court complex

After all the nine accused appeared before the Court, District and Sessions Court, Imphal East fixed March 5 as the next date of hearing the trial case.

It may be mentioned that the Court ordered Herojit to appear today (February 20) as he failed to turn up in the last hearing held on February 2 .

Herojit had already submitted his confessional state- ment in the form of an affidavit on February 17 last.

Speaking to reporters as he came out from the Court room, Herojit said, "I am touched by the love and support of the people and I now feel that I shall die in peace." He regretted that he remained silent so long as he was worried about his safety.

The suspended cop urged the public and Sanjit's family to forgive him for the 'inhuman' act he had done to Sanjit.

He said that he never thought that people would support him and give blessings if he confesses the crime.

However, he gathered courage to speak out the 'truth' considering the future of the young generation, Herojit said.

He further said that he has now realised that people never hesitate to stand united for truth and justice.

He urged the public to remain united to protect the children of Manipur from the people like him.

Herojit reiterated that no individual or group influenced him to make his confessional statement regarding July 23 Khwairamband bazar incident.

He said that he has withdrawn his missing report filed by one of his family members.

Since early morning, large number of police personnel were seen deployed at Cheirap Court complex to thwart untoward incidents.

Large number of womenfolk, various CSO members and Apunba Lup executives also gathered inside and outside the Court complex from around 10 am onwards.

The eight police personnel, who are currently under suspension, were also seen present at the Court complex much earlier before Herojit turns up at the Court complex.

Herojit came at the Court at around 11 am along with the members of Human Rights groups.

He was warmly welcomed by the large number of womenfolk with blessings.

The womenfolk escorted him up to Court building.

However, police prevented the of womenfolk to enter the Court room.

President of JAC constituted against the death of Rabina, Lamabam Premila said that with Herojit confessing to killing Sanjit, it has now questionable who killed Rabina.

She said that the JAC would continue agitation until justice is delivered.

It may be also mention after Tehelka published the tell tale photos of the infamous incident, CBI started probing the incident.

Regarding the PIL filed by Sanjit's mother Chungkham Taratombi, a division bench of Gauhati High Court passed an order to hand over the case to an independent agency like CBI on December 23, 2009 .

On December 31, 2009, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi announced that the State Government would formally recommend the CBI to take over the July 23 BT Road case.

Later, CBI submitted charge sheet against nine police personnel including the then City police station OC Y Munal in connection with the incident.

The case was transferred from Sessions Court, Imphal West to Sessions Court, Manipur East on September 28, 2010.Of the 79 prosecution witnesses submitted by CBI, the first witnessed deposed before the Court on January 5, 2012 .

On November 23, 2014, the case was received from Sessions Court, Manipur East by Sessions Court, Imphal West again.

So far, 74 prosecution witnesses including Sanjit's mother Taratombi, SP Imphal west Dr Ak Jhalajit had appeared before the Court.