IMPHAL, July 14: The Special Investigation Unit (SIU), responsible for major drug seizures in the State, was not set up with the approval of the State Home department but constituted by the superintendent of police (SP) of the concerned district, said deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the Home portfolio today.
Gaikhangam was replying to a question raised by senior Congress MLA, Y Irabot Singh during the Question Hour on the second day of the 8th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly.
The Home minister elaborated that the unit worked under the direct supervision of an SP adding that it was constituted on May 6, 2012 and abolished on January 15, 2013.
SIU was not a sanctioned unit but constituted by the than SP Imphal West as per the requirement of the district to efficiently discharge its duty by assisting in cases involving PDS items, forest products, drugs etc.
In his question the Wangkhei MLA, Y Irabot had sought a clarification from the Home minister of the date of constitution of the SIU and its purposes.
At the same time, he also sought the date the unit was abolished.
Further in his supplementary question, Irabot had enquired about the sudden transfer of officer in charge SIU, K Ranjit just after a huge drug consignment seizure from near the NRL oil pump, Mantripukhri. He further sought details of the case.
In his response, Gaikhangam clarified the transfer of the OC was a normal departmental process.
As for the drug seizure case it has been handed over to the CBI, said Giakhangam but said he could not provide details of the seized items as it was not available with him.
In another question, Irabot further queried whether there were any instances of registration of FIR in case of non-cognizable offence with or without the order of the competent court and to provide with the details.
Gaikhangam responded that there was no such cases till date, however if it was so, he assured to look into the matter and act accordingly against the erring personnel.