Imphal, October 22: In a new twist to the ongoing Thangjam Manorama Devi death investigation an ASI of Irilbung police station N Nongyai Singh made contradictory statements during his appearance before the inquiry panel today.

The ASI made irrelevant statements when cross examined by the Assam Rifles counsel Col T Prasad.

Nongyai had initially registered one of the two FIRs in connection with the custodial death of the 32 year old woman, before the same was transferred to another police officer of the station.

Nongyai had earlier informed he did not prepare any case-diary but entries in the same were made by SI Baniyamin Shah based on the former�s narration.

However, making a u-turn in today�s appearance, Nongyai claimed he prepared the case diary.

When the AR counsel pointed out the contradiction, the ASI said SI Baniyamin prepared the case diary but the contents were entered and signed by him (Nongyai) after careful examination.

To another query, the ASI recalled statements of Manorama� younger brother Th Dolendro who detailed on the AR personnel�s conduct of knocking the door at 12.20 am of the fateful day, interrogation and torture at the courtyard before being whisked away after the victim changed her clothes.

The ASI also maintained that the investigation began from the victim�s residence as the incident occurred there but confessed he did not visit the actual spot where Manorama is alleged to be gunned down.

Visiting the victim�s residence is more important than scanning the killing site, he said while informing of requisitioning the camera from the Irilbung PS OC on presumption that visual evidence would be required for the case in the later stage of the proceeding.

Nongyai also contended the FIR lodged by Dolendro is not on murder of his sister by the 17 AR personnel nor could he (ASI) authenticate date of the footprints found at the complainant�s house.

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