CBI files 11 fresh FIRs in Manipur killings
Source: The Sangai Express / Courtesy - The Hindu

New Delhi, January 28 2018: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered 11 more FIRs related to suspected extra-judicial killings in Manipur.

The move follows the Supreme Court's reprimand earlier this month over the agency's failure to comply with its previous order for a time-bound probe into over 80 such deaths.

In its January 16 order, the Court had also directed the CBI Director to personally monitor the investigations and had posted the matter for further hearing on February 12.Among the fresh FIRs registered is one pertaining to the death of two persons, including one Seram Priyokumar, in June 2009 .

A case had been filed at Kakching police station under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Substances Act.

Ten other deaths relating to a case filed in Manipur's Nambol in November 2000 are also being investigated by the CBI.

Charged with sedition:
In several cases, now under CBI scrutiny, the police had invoked sedition provisions against those killed in the said encounters, alleging that they had waged a war against the Nation.

While hearing a PIL petition filed by the Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association and Human Rights Alert, the Supreme Court had on July 14 last instructed the CBI to set up a special investigation team to examine records of the mentioned cases.

The petition alleged that there were 1,528 extra-judicial killings.

The Court asked the agency to register the necessary FIRs, complete the probe by December 31 last and accordingly, prepare the chargesheets.

On January 16, the Court pulled up the agency for not registering the FIRs, noting that only 12 cases had been filed.

Observing that the cases should be taken up with the seriousness they deserved, the Court directed the CBI team to complete the probe into these cases by February 28 and submit chargesheets before the competent Courts.

"We make it absolutely clear that on or before January 31, 2018, all the FIRs must be registered in respect of the three tables mentioned in our judgment and order dated July 14, 2017, except the six cases mentioned above," the Court said in its order.

The CBI submitted before the Court that in six cases, it was yet to receive the details from the authorities concerned.

The Supreme Court has also directed the CBI to prepare a list of the witnesses required to be examined during investigations, stating that the Central and the State Governments will ensure their presence within seven days of the requisition made by the agency.

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