HC issues notice in murder case of Ak Nongnganba
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 06 2024: The High Court of Manipur, on Thursday, issued a notice of motion in response to a writ petition filed by Akoijam Shantibala Devi, seeking justice for the brutal murder of her son, Akoijam Nongnganba.

As per the case dossiers, members of NSCN (IM), an armed group currently under ceasefire agreement with the Government of India, are prime suspects in the death of Nongnganba.

According to advocate Meihoubam Rakesh, representing the petitioner, the petition filed under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution requested that the investigation be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) due to concerns over partiality and ineffectiveness of the ongoing probe by state police.

Shantibala contended that the investigation has been hindered by political complexities linked to the ceasefire agreement between the government and the NSCN (IM).

The incident took place on February 12, 2023, when the body of Akoijam Nongnganba was found at Changoubung village, about 3 kilometres from Kangpokpi police station.

As Nongnganba, who left home the previous evening with a friend did not returned, his family initially believed he was staying at his resort, 'Cicada', but the next day, Shantibala received an anonymous phone call informing her of her son's death.

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

The post-mortem confirmed that he died from intracranial haemorrhage caused by blunt force trauma to the head, suggesting a premeditated attack.

A criminal case was registered at Kangpokpi police station (FIR No 8(2)2023 KPI-PS) for murder and conspiracy.

The investigation indicated the involvement of NSCN (IM) members, the advocate said.

However, the petitioner argued that the state police investigation has been insufficient, citing political constraints related to the ceasefire agreement with NSCN (IM), and as such sought transfer of the case to the NIA, which specialises in investigating crimes involving proscribed organisations.

During Thursday's proceedings, Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh of the High Court issued a notice to the respondents, with a return date of October 22, 2024.Senior advocate Khaidem Mani, assisted by advocate Meihoubam Rakesh, appeared for the petitioner.

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