IMPHAL, April 9: The Manipur Police have been able to crack the Satyabhama murder case with 3 persons allegedly involved in the crime being arrested. The main culprit is identified as Kshetrimayum Biju alias Holendro (28), s/o Ksh Ibochou Singh of Irilbung bazar who is a rifleman of the 1st Manipur Rifles. A red Mahindra Rodeo two wheeler bearing registration number (MNOIY/6310) was also seized from Biju.
He was arrested yesterday along with Thoudam Jibon (27), s/o late Thoiba of Irilbung Machahal Mayai Leikai. A metallic gold color Maruti car bearing registration number (AS/01-0397) was seized from him. The two are said to be friends with Satyabhama’s boyfriend identified as Toijam Thesus alias Aboi alias James (27), s/o Toijam Jugindro Singh of Thambalkhong Sabal Leikai, a Havildar of 7th MR.
Aboi also going by the name of “James` surrendered to police today morning from Purum Likli area which comes under Saikhul police station in Sadar Hills. He was with family members at the spot.
Altogether there are four persons related to the murder, according to DGP ,Y Joykumar. The fourth accused is identified as one Phungsokwung alias Ashok (32) ,s/o Stephen Phungsokwung of Ukhrul Sanakeithel ,at present residing at Naga River, North AOC. He is yet to be arrested.
Briefing mediapersons at the Imphal Police Headquarters conference room today, Yumnam Joykumar stated that the matter came to light after Toijam Thesus alias James surrendered today. “From his (James) confession, it is now known that Biju had killed Satyabhama. Earlier, Biju had presented a story to the police on interrogation that he had called out the girl from her home and he along with James had gone in a Maruti car. The couple had a spat over a pregnancy issue and got into a fight, following which James had beaten her and she ran out of the car. They tried to grab her and had pulled her scarf which resulted in breaking of her neck,” the DGP stated but went on to say that this story was `not acceptable`.
The DGP mentioned that James confessed to having a relationship with the deceased since December last and that the two had physically consummated their relationship on March 15, 2013. In the last week of March, they had already decided to elope but as family members had gone to Nambol and the day was in-auspicious, it was called off he said.
The DGP went on to say that on 27 March, the three friends (the three accused) had a party wherein Thesus alias James who is married and has a son said that he was not keen on a permanent relation with Satyabhama. Biju worked out a plan and planned to end the relationship following which James gave a SIM card and mobile phone to Biju. Later, Biju called up Satyabhama stating that James had eloped as mentioned by IFP investigation. On the intervening night between March 2 and 3, Biju came on his two wheeler and called out Satyabhama on the pretext of escorting her to meet James. On the way, Biju tried to molest Satyabhama and her feet got hurt, the DGP said and added that while she was attending to her wound(s) at the waiting shed, Biju again tried to force himself on her and she resisted. In the tussle, Biju confessed to strangling Satyabhama with her scarf. He later carried the body on his vehicle on his own and dumped her at Bashikhong Wangkei Loumanbi Loukon where Satyabhama`s body later was found.
During the interrogation of James, he revealed that he had gone to Pallel `to appear for an examination` on Wednesday and was accompanied by Jibon and Phungsokwung.The DGP mentioned that James denied his involvement in the crime and that he had tried to enter Satyabhama’s home twice after knowing about her death but was not able to enter due to the the presence of the crowd and the police.
The DGP said that the investigation was hindered by the strike being imposed by the JAC but was able to investigate the matter thoroughly by tracking the phone numbers, mirroring IFP probe into the case. He further stated that the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi left for Delhi on Saturday and gave specific instructions that the crime is sensitive and to investigate the matter.
The accused have been remanded to police custody upto April 15. It may also be mentioned that Satyabhama`s father along with JAC members had requested to see the captured persons, but the request was denied. The Imphal West Superintendent of Police, Imphal East SP, IG (LO), DIG Range-1 were also present in the press conference today.
