Court orders
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 30 2021: The Special Judge POCSO, Imphal West has ordered three co-accused involved in a molestation case to transfer their anticipatory bail applications to another Court of competent jurisdiction.

The development came after, mother of the victim who was allegedly molested by one Nameirakpam Inaomacha on September 11, 2019, lodged an application before the Chief Justice of Manipur praying to inquire into the circumstances under which the three co-accused of the case namely, Meitankeishangbam Manikanta, Salam Iboyaima and Saikhom Mandakini Chanu were granted interim anticipatory bail by the Court of Special Judge (POCSO), Imphal West recently.

Mention may be made that the accused Nameirakpam Inaomacha was arrested on October 11 in connection with the FIR case registered by Women Police Station recently based on a complaint lodged by mother of the alleged victim.

In her complaint the victim's mother stated her daughter, who is physically disabled, was molested by Nameirakpam Inaomacha at an unknown location on September 11, 2019 at around 1 pm allegedly after being forcefully picked up by Nameirakpam Inaomacha, Meitankeishangbam Manikanta, Salam Iboyaima and Saikhom Mandakini Chanu.

The Special Judge (POCSO), Imphal West today heard both the Special PP of the State and the petitioners' counsels via video conference.

The petitioners' counsels during the hearing prayed the Court to allow the filing of an affidavit sworn by the petitioners (co-accused) .

The OC Women Police Station, Imphal West has also forwarded a detailed report of the FIR.

Acknowledging the pending complaint filed by the victim's mother before the Chief Justice, High Court of Manipur, the Court (Special Judge POCSO) observed that it will not be proper for the Court to pass any order on merit in connection with the present applications.

The Court further prayed to transfer the anticipatory bail applications to another competent jurisdiction in the interest of justice and fair play and directed to send a copy of the order to Registrar General High Court of Manipur with a request for placing the matter before the Chief Justice of Manipur for perusal and consideration.

The Court, without passing any order on merit, also dismissed the bail application filed by accused Nameirakpam Inaomacha who is presently lodged in judicial custody.

The Court order also mentioned that the accused may approach the appropriate Court.

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