Murdered More Than A Year Ago, No Progress Made In Investigation
Mother pins hope on UN Rapporteur
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 21 2013:
While welcoming the scheduled visit of UN Special Rapporteur Rashida Manjoo to Manipur, mother of late Premila hoped that the UN official's visit would help deliver justice regarding the murder case of Premila.
Keisham Premila of Wabagai Thingel Leikai was murdered and her body was charred when it was discovered.
Though Premila was found murdered more than a year ago, no charge-sheet has been submitted till date.
"As no trial has been initiated till date, I can never convince myself that justice would be done to the departed soul of my daughter", said the mother who wore a forlorn look.
In Manipur, Government and police have been seemingly protecting criminals, particularly murderers and rapists.
It is heartening to learn that the UN Special Rapporteur is coming to Manipur to conduct a direct assessment of crimes against women, she said.
Keisham Premila (45), d/o K Irabot and Ibechaobi went out from home on March 25, 2012.She remained missing for 17 days before she was found murdered and her body was burnt atop Mahadev hills of Kakching.
Her head was found severed.
It was only the lower parts of limbs and some portions of her shirt and phanek which were not burnt.
It was from the lucky stone ring worn by Premila which helped in identifying the corpse.
In connection with the murder of Premila, Kakching police registered an FIR and one Mayengbam Khelendra alias Amujao of Kakching Turel Wangmataba Ningthou Pareng was apprehended.
He was charged under IPC Sections 302, 343, 365, and 420.However, no charge-sheet has been framed against Khelendra alias Amujao till date.
Talking to The Sangai Express at their home today, Premila's mother Ibechaobi said, "I sent my children to schools with much struggle working as a petty vegetable vendor.
"It was Premila who always helped me in times of difficulties.
"Driven by her conviction to groom her two younger brothers as educated and responsible citizens, Premila sacrificed her youth refusing to marry any man", the mother recounted.
In her efforts to let her younger brothers complete their formal education, Premila weaved clothes, planted vegetables and even worked as agricultural labourers.
"I did go to police and enquired about the inordinate delay in filing charge-sheet but I never got any satisfactory answer and the case has been left in quandary", Ibechaobi said.
When Premila left home, she had not had her dinner after harvesting potato the whole evening.
She was called out through telephone.
"Khelendra already married and having children deceived my gullible daughter.
She was killed according to conspiracy hatched by Khelendra and his wife", alleged Ibechaobi.
"My mind would not rest until those barbaric murderers who killed and burnt my daughter are awarded capital punishment", she said.
While doing all kinds of works and earning for the family, Premila somehow managed to complete BSc.
After graduation, she gave up formal education and focused on the education of her younger brothers.
"Since the day, Premila was found murdered, I've lost appetite as well as the taste for fine clothes", said the aggrieved mother.
Regarding the murder of Premila, Home Minister Gaikhangam stated that reports of DNA test is being awaited in order to frame a charge-sheet so that the culprits are punished according to law.
Comment
