IMPHAL, March 18: The prime accused in the murder case of Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Tousem has been sent to 15 days judicial custody by the JMIC Imphal West today.
The accused identified as Sanahem Golmei, 34, wife of L Bijoy of Phubala Makha Mamang Leikai, was arrested on March 6 evening by the Lamphel police from her residence.
In the meantime, womenfolk including family members of the deceased SDPO and well-wishers converged at the court complex following news of the appearance of the accused.
Police who were deployed at the court complex to prevent any untoward incident had a hard time controlling the crowd.
The women folk chanting slogans like “Punish the murderer”, “Capital punishment should be awarded to the culprit” and even tried to attack the accused outside the courtroom. However, police managed to whisk away the accused from the scene after the appearance.
Since her arrest, the accused has been remanded to police custody twice.
After having been in police custody for 13 days, she was produced before the JMIC Imphal West, Lamphel today wherein the Investigation Officer of Lamphel Police Station pleaded for granting judicial remand for 15 days citing further investigation to be conducted in the case.
Following the plea submitted to the court along with prima facie evidences of the murder pointing towards the accused, the court remanded her to judicial custody till April 1.
The police rounded up the accused based on Call Detail Record (CDR) of the deceased’s mobile.
As per the evidences placed before the court, the accused confessed to have murdered the SDPO on the night of February 25 using a spade.
The victim was sleeping on a wooden couch when the accused attacked him, said the statement.
The next day she left the place after taking along valuables belonging to the SDPO including jewelleries, ATM card etc.
Further as per her reported confession the accused committed the crime as the SDPO allegedly assaulted her sexually adding that she had gone to the SDPO’s house along with her 3 year old daughter.
It is learnt that the accused had admitted to having an illicit affair with the SDPO.
They came to know each other through the deceased’s second wife Ashalu Golmei of Tharon Village, Imphal. Ashalu and the accused are cousins.
Police have also reportedly recovered the weapon used in the case.
It may be mentioned that the partly decomposed body of the SDPO Tousem, Nehemia Chodang was found inside his residence at Nagaram Block D on March 2 with injury marks on his forehead.