Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 26:
A team of All Manipur Bar Association comprising of three lawyers would visit general secretary of TIPS L Umakanta, to assess whether third degree methods of interrogation are applied against Umakanta who is currently in police custody.
He is also a member of AMBA.
Speaking to reporters today at AMBA office in Cheirap Court complex, its president Kh Mani disclosed that decision to visit Umakanta was taken based on complaints of Umakanta's wife that her husband was arrested without furnishing any reason and that third degree methods were being used.
L Umakanta was apprehended by police on August 24 after the publicity secretary of TIPS Y Thabi was nabbed by police on the previous day.
With the registration of cases under UAPA, Umakanta was remanded to police custody till August 29.Acknowledging that police may arrest any suspect with or without arrest warrant, Mani asserted that police should first investigate whether the suspect is really guilty or not.
He conveyed doubt that no prior investigation was undertaken by police before Umakanta was taken into their custody.
Observing that the practice of accusing any person after arresting has become prevalent in Manipur, Mani noted Manipur police should give up such practice.
Mentioning of a Supreme Court directive that permits lawyers to undertake social works, Khaidem Mani said that Umakanta has all the right to engage himself in social works.
If any sign of third degree torture to Umakanta is observed during the proposed visit by the AMBA team led by advocate Shamuphaba, there is no reason for the police personnel involved to escape punishment, noted Mani.
Taking part in the press meet, general secretary of AMBA Abdul Keiyum reminded that Umakanta is first a lawyer and according to the law he is not yet guilty of any illegal activity.
He noted that police should not go beyond the provisions of the statute book.