Imphal, September 04: Owing to certain procedural difficulties the process of extracting blood samples from the two jawans of 17 AR for DNA test could not be carried out today at RIMS.

Blood samples of 31 personnel including two officers of the same battalion had been despatched to Central Forensic Science Laboratory Kolkata (CFSL) on August 31 as ordered by the ongoing Army court of inquiry to ascertain facts on the alleged rape of 32 year old Thangjam Manorama Devi.

The samples were sent after maintaining certain official procedures by the Forensic Dept of RIMS.

It is reliably learnt that the whole process of carrying out the job right from extracting blood till the samples are reached to the laboratory should be completed within 24 to 48 hrs.

Owing to such time constraint and Saturday and Sunday being a holiday at CFSL, the samples were not taken from the two jawans today even though they turned up at the Forensic Dept, said a source.

It takes around one month to ascertain the results of the DNA test, said the source adding that the samples of the two jawans would most probably be taken on Monday.

Meanwhile, CJM Imphal who was supposed to hear the applications filed by OC Irilbung PS for DNA testing of all the AR personnel involved in arresting Manorama on Jul 11, has re-fixed date for hearing on Sept 8 as the police officer failed to turn up.

On August 31, the OC who is the investigation officer in one of the two FIR cases registered on the killing of Manorama, filed the application before the CJM and the latter fixed the matter for hearing on September 2.As prayed by the Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) the same court on September 2 differed the matter today.

In the meantime, the cross examination is being done by the counsel on behalf of the mother of Manorama, sources said adding that the examination would be continued till tomorrow.

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