IMPHAL, November 25: Investigation Officer of the high-profile case registered in connection with the death of Sapam Robinhood, 16 son of S Romesh Singh of Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai, who was killed in police action during a protest demonstration staged demanding introduction of Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in the State, deposed before the Inquiry Commission constituted by the government.
This was informed by L Hemchand Singh, president of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed against the killing of Robinhood who was studying at Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School, to this daily today.
He said that the Investigation Officer of Porompat Police Station, Imphal East deposed before the government constituted Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice M Binoykumar Singh on November 23.
He is the IO of the suo-moto case registered with the Porompat Police Station in connection with Robinhood’s killing, the JAC president elaborated.
Though the Commission claimed that a learned counsel was informed about the IO’s deposition, representatives of the JAC have not able to take part in the deposition due to miscommunication with the counsel, he continued.
A total of 12 affidavits including from the six police personnel, who are facing suspension over involvement in the killing, had been submitted to the Commission.
Deposition of the IO before the Commission was held based on the affidavit submitted by him.
The JAC had urged Director General of Police (DGP) to register a fresh case as sections related to the Robinhood’s killing were not included into the suo-moto case registered by the police.
However, no response was given by the DGP to the JAC despite passing four months, compelling to file a writ petition in the High Court of Manipur.
Mention may be made that Sapam Robinhood was killed in police action on July 8 around 1.20 pm in a place around 2 km away from Porompat Police Station.
The suo-moto case was registered by the police under FIR No 205 (7) 2015 PRT PS U/S 147/148/149/353 IPC and 7 Criminal Law Amendment Act.
Following uproar from many sections of the public over the killing of the student, a State Cabinet meeting had decided to institute a judicial inquiry into the killing.
As per an order issued by the Principal Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur on November 17 last, the time for submission of report by the Commission to the government was extended by three months starting from October 25 last.