IMPHAL, Dec 22: The investigation into the rape and murder case of a woman who was found abandoned naked at Yaiphakol Thingkangphai in Churachandpur district on December 13 is still in the initial stage and there is no breakthrough in the investigation. The police are also yet to receive the medical report of the murdered woman.
A team of reporters from Imphal today made a spot investigation regarding the case. In the course of investigation the reporters visited the crime spot and also interacted with the villagers and police officials.
Speaking to reporters, SP of Churachandpur district, GA Bimolchandra Sharma stated that the police are yet to confirm whether the murdered woman is one Hatkholhing Guite, 50, wife of Songjamang Guite, of Takvom Village, Churachandpur, or not. The medical report is expected very soon and there will be some breakthrough only after receiving the report, he added.
He further said that the investigation is still in the initial stage and so far there is no arrest of any culprit. The police have only interrogated six persons regarding the case, SP noted.
The investigative officer (IO) stated that the police have so far recovered one vest, one ladies’ jacket, one key and one phanek from near the crime spot. However, the SP had no idea of the objects recovered by the police from the crime spot.
This is the eighth murder case reported so far from the Yaiphakol area.
When enquired about the myriad cases of crime at Yaiphakol during the past 20 years, the SP stated that the area being an isolated place has often been a crime spot and the police will take up measures to prevent such crime in the future.
On the other hand, a villager of Yaiphakol by the name Laishram Amuchou stated that the villagers are living in a state of fear ever since the incident took place and they have also been intimidated by some people.
He drew the attention of the concerned authority to trace out the culprit as soon as possible and give punishment as per the law.
Amuchou also appealed to all to be cooperative to the investigation rather than creating tensions. He also expressed desire of opening an army post or police station near Yaiphakol Thingkangphai so that such untoward incidents can be prevented in the future.
The secretary of Thingkangphai Yaiphakol Meira Paibi Lup, Amurei Salam stated that the incident took place very near to their place of residence but owing to the noise produced from the loudspeakers used during Lai Haraoba (local festival) they could not hear any scream or cry in connection with the crime.
She strongly condemned the brutal incident and appealed to all concerned to be proactive in preventing crime and violence against women.
The condolence service of Hatkholhing Guite was also held today at the administrative office of Churachandpur District Students’ Union (CDSU) located at New Bazar, Churachandpur.
Meanwhile, the Churachandpur Joint Women Organization, Churachandpur District Students’ Union (CDSU), Joint Philanthropic Organization, Churachandpur and church leaders have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi urging the state government to find out the culprits and punish them as per the law. The organizations also demanded a sum of Rs five lakhs as compensation to the victim’s families.
