IMPHAL, June 8: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has summoned the District Magistrate and SP of Imphal East district with regard to a case of custodial death of one Thokchom Ranjit of Itham Nungoi in May 8 last year.
Acting on a petition from the Director of National Campaign for Prevention of Torture Suhas Chakma,the NHRC had called for reports from concerned district authorities.
Even as the DM and SP continue to respond to the directives, the Commission today summoned the DM and the SP to personally appear before the Commission on July 9.
Thokchom Ranjit was a physically challenged person and a former member of the proscribed PREPAK.
The 48-year old Ranjit was picked from his home at Itham Nungoi in the intervening night of May 7 and 8 by police commandos of the Imphal East District at around 1.20 am and later deposited at the JNIMS mortuary around 10 am.
The NHRC had taken up the case and directed concerned authorities on 29 February this year to submit the magisterial enquiry report and proof of payment of Rs. 5 lakhs to the family of the deceased Thokchom Ranjit.
Giving an order issued today the Commission said, “The desired reports have not been received from the concerned authorities despite several communications. The Commission views the matter seriously. Issue summon to DM & SP Imphal East District, Manipur to produce before the Commission on 9-7-12, the following reports regarding death of Thokchom Ranjit aged about 48 years r/0 Itham Nungoi due to alleged torture in the custody of Imphal East District police on 8.5.2011. If the desired reports are received by the Commission before the stipulated date, the personal appearance of the above officers shall be dispensed with.”
According to testimonies given by family members, a team of Imphal east police commandos led by one SI RK Brojen had arrested the victim from his residence without issuing any arrest memo. When family members approached the Porompat PS for information they could not meet the commandos in question.
Following public unrest with regard to the incident, 6 police personnel including a Sub-Inspector involved in the case had been suspended on May 8 itself.