IMPHAL, March 24: The ashes of the Loitam Richard, a student who went to Bangalore to pursue his dream career in architecture at Archarya NRV School of Architecture was immersed on Sunday at Nabadwip in West Bengal by his family to pray for his peaceful soul and speedy justice according to a press statement mailed by the Justice For Loitam Richard group.
The e-mailed statement said that Loitam Richard was possibly a victim of an unfortunate and hate targeted violence. Police investigation had earlier stated the possibility of a confrontation in which Richard was severely assaulted leading to the deceased succumbing to his injuries on the night of 17th April, 2012. There are also strong evidences to suggest that the deceased suffered multiple assaults on the head and face.
Following the death and subsequent crime scene investigation conducted by the police, a case was finally registered, after sustained protests from his parents and widespread protests across the country, under PSCR No.229-12 US 323, 302 RW 34 IPC. However, despite the reports and a case being registered, people are appalled and shocked with the conduct of Archarya NRV School of Architecture and also the report given by some sections of the media who apparently attempted to defame and cover up the crime by linking Richard’s death to drug abuse, and an injury sustained during a road traffic accident a few days before the incident. Questions continue to be asked whether the crime investigation and reporting has been affected by Richard`s ethnicity, the statement said.
Richard`s family have taken the case to the Supreme Court of India the statement mentioned.