Women held for keeping others in captivity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 21 2025: Three women including the secretary of the Armour of Manipur Organization (AMO), arrested on the charge of wrongfully confining four persons related to a case of elopement have been remanded to judicial custody till May 5 .

The three, Thangjam Basanti Leima (50) of Thongjao Mayai Leikai (at present staying at Langol Laimanai), Waikhom Geeta Devi (36) and Kangabam Sundari Devi (57), both of Changangei Uchekon, were produced before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West, after completion of police custody period.

Thangjam Basanti Leima is the secretary of AMO.

On April 19, a complaint was lodged with Lamphel police station stating four persons from Pungdongbam have been wrongful restrained and confined at the premises of the Armour of Manipur Organization (AMO) by some women groups led by Th Basanti.

The complaint alleged that a sum of Rs 5 lakh was demanded by the women to settle a case of elopement.

The complainant further alleged that Th Basanti called the victims (complainant and relatives) to the location at Langol Laimanai on April 19 .

On reaching the location, Basanti and her team allegedly threatened them with dire consequences if they fail to arrange Rs 5 lakh.

Later, the amount was cut down to Rs 3 lakh, alleged the complaint.

Based on the complaint, Lamphel police including women personnel rushed to the spot and rescued the persons who were kept confined.

The police instructed the accused persons to come to Lamphel police station, and subsequently arrested the three women including the secretary of AMO .

In the Court today, the Assistant Public Prosecutor submitted that the Armour of Manipur (AMO) is closely connected to an unlawful organization, and prayed for judicial custody of the three accused.

The Court, after hearing the submission of the APP, and on perusal of the case, remanded the three to judicial custody till May 5 for further investigation of the case.

Meanwhile, vice chairwoman of Armour of Manipur Organisation has accused Th Basanti of damaging the image of the organisation and announced that the body has cut all ties with the secretary.

The involvement of Th Basanti in the case involving alleged confinement of several persons is against the interest of the organisation and it was very unfortunate, said Ningthoukhongjam Rita, the vice chairwoman.

She further alleged that Th Basanti was warned many times not to use the organisation's name in her personal matter.

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