IMPHAL, January 11: Two police constables among the six personnel already suspended from service in connection with the death of class XI student Robinhood during a students’ rally at near Minuthong on July 8, 2015 deposed today before the inquiry commission constituted to investigate the incident.
It may be mentioned that six police personnel had been suspended in regard to the incident.
Constable Lisham Shoven Singh, one of the personnel who fired tear gas shells on the day (July 8, 2015), had deposed before the commission earlier on January 5, however, since the commission’s counsel was absent that day, he was produced today for cross examination before the commission.
Constable Loukham Tiken Singh, who was one of the escort personnel of Deputy SP (Ops) Imphal East L Deben on the day and had fired tear gas shells also deposed before the commission today.
However, the counsel representing Robinhood’s family was absent today and it is likely that the constable’s statement will be cross examined tomorrow.
Tiken in his statement mentioned that as instructed by his commander he fired two tear gas shells, the first one misfired and accordingly he fired the second one, while holding the tear gas gun at about 45 degree angle towards the northeast direction.
During cross examination by the counsel representing the commission, he said the effective range of tear gas shells would be about 100-150 metres and if fired at 45 degree angle it will not be possible to hit any of the student protesters standing near the iron barricade on that day.
He said all the police personnel took their respective positions and fired tear gas shells from a distance of about 50-60 meters on the western side of the iron barricade.
He also admitted that no students were seen injured before the firing of tear gas shells which lasted within a period of about 30-40 seconds.
It may be mentioned that four more police personnel are yet to depose before the commission.