IMPHAL: Police had a tough time in controlling an incensed group of women who tried to barge into Uripok Cheirap court complex where hearing was conducted on Friday on the bail application of one of the seven persons accused in the recent gangrape of two girl students.
The Special Judge (POCSO), while rejecting the bail petition of Thongam Sadananda Singh (22), an accused in the April 14 gang-rape incident that occurred near Phaknung village, also remanded the accused in judicial custody for 15 more days.
Sadananda of Moirangkampu village in Imphal East district was produced before the Special Judge during which his counsel prayed for releasing the accused on bail claiming that Sadananda has been wrongly implicated in the case.
The counsel also pointed out that Sadananda is a BA final year student of Ng Mani College and is the youngest among six siblings, who depend on the marginal earning of their mother as the family patriarch had passed away when Sadananda was 10 years old.
On the other-hand, the police IO and the Additional Public Prosecutor in their submissions mentioned that investigation into the case is in full swing. The Special Judge considering
all facts and circumstances put forth consequently rejected the bail petition along with observing that the reason cited for releasing the accused is not reasonable.
While the hearing continued, police maintained strict vigil in front of entrance gate which was closed on spotting gradual increase in the number of womenfolk and rights activists gathered there. Under stringent security measures, the police also whisked away the accused safely from the court complex.
It may be mentioned that, even persons, six of whom later claimed to be juveniles, were apprehended by a team of Porompat police station from their respective house on April 18 in connection with gang-rape case.
Source: The Sangai Express
