IMPHAL, June 26: President of Ima Leishem Inaat Loishang at the temple of Panthou whom his devotees claimed to be a demigod, was on Tuesday asked by a court here whether her claim that the former is an incarnation of the Meitei God Pakhangba or ]a God could be verified.
Meitram Sumatibala, president of Ima Leishem Inaat Loishang at the residential temple of Panthou located at Wangkhei in Imphal east filed a suit against Information Service Television (ISTV), Imphal and three other individuals along with their film firms in the court of CJM, Imphal West on May 2, 2012 in connection with a digital comedy film based on religious ceremonies held at the Panthou’s temple.
The petitioner was cross examined by the counsel representing the accused on her claim that Panthou whose real name is Hijam Ratan, is a God or the incarnation of the Meitei God Pakhangba, sources said.
The court heard the cross examination of Sumatibala after it recorded her statement on June 19 last, the sources added.
It may be mentioned that the question of the ‘divinity’ of godman Panthou was heard at court on June 21.
The petitioner, Meitram Sumatibala, resident of Kwakeithel Mayai Koibi and president of Ima Leishem Irat Loisang had appeared before the said court for supporting her charges.
The counsel of the accused had asked Sumatibala to give the full particulars of Panthou which was not reciprocated at first. Later, after insisting on the matter, the profile of Panthou whose real name is Hijam Ratan, a resident of Wangkhei Hijam Leikai was revealed by the complainant.
Later, the counsel questioned Sumatibala on her claims that Panthou is a divine person and an incarnation of Ibudhou Pakhangba.