IMPHAL, May 31: NSCN (IM) self-styled lieutenant colonel Hopeson Ningshen was on Saturday convicted in the triple murder case of Dr Th Kishan and his two subordinate staff by a Special CBI Court.
The verdict of the three year-long trial was announced today at the Patiala House, New Delhi in the Special CBI Court of VK Gupta. The argument on quantum of sentences will however be held on June 30, 2014, informed a source.
Hopeson Ningshen has been held guilty for the commission of offences punishable under Section 302, 364 A, 394 read with 120B IPC.
Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Kishan and his two subordinates were found bludgeoned to death at Taphou along National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) on February 17, 2009.
Following much furore over the involvment of NSCN (IM) cadres in the triple murder of SDO Dr Kishan and his two subordinate staff, Yumnam Token, a Mandal, and driver Aribam Rajen, the Manipur government on January 31, 2010, handed over the case to the CBI.
Today’s conviction came after the deferral of the announcement on two counts.
The pronouncement of judgement in the case was supposed to be made on January 18 earlier this year, however as Justice VK Gupta was on tour, the decision was kept on hold and deferred to February 15, 2014.
Ever since reports that the pronouncement of judgement will be made on January 18 became public, the JAC spearheaded to organised public meetings to discuss the development of the case.
A public congregation was held at Mapari Ninghingkol, Uripok Machin on January 15.