4 Manipur police ex-commandos charged after 26 years in 1998 'fake' encounter
The Imphal West Sessions Court on Thursday framed charges against four former Manipur police commandos in connection with the alleged fake encounter of Major Shimreingam Shaiza and four others in 1998.The incident took place nearly 26 years ago on August 29, 1998 and has remained a symbol of delayed justice in Manipur. The court named Thokchom Krishnatombi, then a Sub-Inspector, and constables Khundongbam Inaobi, Thangkhongam Lungdim, and Md Akhtar Hussain as accused in the case. advertisementCharges have been framed under IPC Sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) and 34 (acts done with common intention).
Major Shaiza, brother of former Manipur Chief Minister Yangmasho Shaiza, was travelling in a vehicle reportedly bearing a Nagaland number plate along with four others when he was allegedly killed in a fake encounter. Manipur police, in its investigation had claimed that it was an encounter with armed insurgents.However, over time, those claims began to unravel. The FIR filed by SI Krishnatombi alleged the vehicle failed to stop at a police signal and opened fire, prompting retaliation. But eyewitnesses and the victims' families disputed this version, asserting the firing was unprovoked and targeted.A second FIR, filed later by Major Shaiza's wife, Pemla Shaiza, described the incident as a cold-blooded killing of innocent civilians, including prominent figures such as Thenucho, a former Nagaland Assembly Speaker and Nagaland Police officers.advertisementThe case remained stagnant for years until the Supreme Court intervened in July 2017, directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted and was assisted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in its probe. The Justice C Upendra Commission of Inquiry also supported the investigation.The SIT's findings indicated that the weapons allegedly recovered from the vehicle were likely planted and the "encounter" was staged to cover up deliberate killings. Following this, the CBI filed a charge sheet in June 2020, naming six commando personnel. While the court has now found sufficient grounds to frame charges against four of them, proceedings against the remaining have stalled as the Manipur government's Home Department has denied prosecution sanction. Trending Reel
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