Custody for 3 murder accused
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 05 2025: Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West has sent three persons accused of murdering Rajiv Thokchom to judicial custody till May 19 .

Rajiv Thokchom (39) was the son of Thokchom Phonindra Singh of Singjamei Thokchom Leikai.

He was run over to death by a vehicle on April 30 .

The accused persons, who have been sent to judicial custody, have been identified as Khongbantabam Bishnachandra Singh (31) of Uripok Tourangbam Leikai; Suman Debnath (24) and Shubham Sarkar (22) of Cooch Behar, West Bengal.

Suman Debnath and Shubham Sarkar were staying at Uripok Tourangbam Leikai.

The three were produced before the Court virtually today after completion of the police custody period.

They were arrested as per a complaint filed by the elder brother of the deceased.

The police complaint stated that on April 30, Rajiv Thokchom (39) was with one of his friends, Laitonjam Rambo (38), at Singjamei Thokchom Leikai when a Maruti Ertiga stopped near them and its occupants started arguing with them.

The occupants of the vehicle even threatened to kill Rajiv and his friend by brandishing a small weapon (Pistol), said the complaint.

Later, a vehicle intentionally and mercilessly hit and ran over Rajiv Thokchom and fled, it added.

During the hearing today, the Assistant Public Prosecutor submitted that the police have examined the prosecution witness and CCTV footage of the incident.

Khongbantabam Bishnachandra Singh, who is the main accused in the case, knowingly ran over Rajiv's body backward and forward using his car with an intention to kill him, said the Prosecutor.

Accusing the accused persons of trying to show the incident as an accident and cover up the murder, the Prosecutor sought judicial custody of the accused.

The Court, after hearing the submission of APP and defense counsels, remanded the three accused to judicial custody till May 19 .

Meanwhile, Singjamei Mathak Thokchom Leikai Nupi Yaipha Chaokhat Thourang Lup held a press meet at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today, urging authorities concerned for swift investigation of the case.

The culprits who have been held for the "brutal murder" must be given stringent punishment, said the organisation's secretary, Th Sujata.

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