Imphal, August 25: The State Home Department has started studying the option of taking up legal proceedings against the authorities of Assam Rifles for not co-operating with the State police in the investigation of the killing of Thangjam Manorama by 17 Assam Rifles personnel after she was arrested from her Bamon Kampu residence on the intervening nights of July 10 and 11.A reliable source said that the move is being taken up in view of the fact lhat none of the AR personnel, whose names are listed on the arrest memo given to Manorama's family, have responded to police request for giving their statements on the case.

The police are investigating the case following two FIRs filed in connection with the killing of the 32-year old girl.

One of the FIRs relates to the report of the AR furnished to the police after the arrest and death of Manorama and the other relates to the complaint filed by the younger brother of Manorama after she was picked up from their house.

Both the FIRs are registered with the Irilbung Police Station.

During the course of the investigation, the Investing Officer of Irilbung PS had asked the AR witnesses at least three/four times to come and give their statements to the police station.

As the AR witnesses did not respond, the SP concerned had even approached the AR authorities for the same purpose, but in vain, the source said.

Since the Assam Rifles has filed a writ petition at the High Court seeking a stay against the summoning of the AR witnesses, the State Home Department has decided to up necessary legal proceedings and it is likely to bring the matter to the notice of the Court very soon, the source said.

Meanwhile, the source disclosed, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has held talks with Commander of 3 Corps Lt Gen Daljeet to instruct the Assam Rifles to co-operate with the State police in their investigation as the latter had promised.

The matter has also been communicated to the Union Home Minister.

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