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India Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
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 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 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 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 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
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Court frame charges against four policemen in 1998 fake encounter
Imphal: A sessions court on Wednesday framed charges against former sub-inspector Thokchom Krishnatombi and three others in connection with the alleged fake encounter that killed Major Shimreingam Shaiza and four others on Imphal Airport Road August 29, 1998. Major Shaiza was the younger brother of former chief minister Yangmasho Shaiza, belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community (a sub-tribe of the Nagas). The court framed charges against then sub-inspector Krishnatombi of Tabungkhok Makha Leikai, constable Khundongbam Inaobi of Minuthong Kabo Leikai, constable Thangkhongam Lungdim of G. Songgel village, and Md. Akhtar Hussain of Yairipok Tulihal Konjil Leikai under sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 201 (Causing disappearance of evidence of offence), and 34 (criminal act is done by multiple individuals in furtherance of a common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case was initially registered at Singjamei police station as FIR No. 185(8)1998, based on a complaint by then sub-inspector Th. Krishnatombi. He claimed that a team of Imphal West commandos was operating in the Kwakeithel area, Imphal West, to arrest underground militants. They spotted a suspicious vehicle with a Nagaland registration moving at high speed, and the muzzle of a weapon suspected to be an AK-47 was seen through the vehicle's window. According to the report, the vehicle ignored police signals to stop and allegedly fired at the police, prompting retaliatory fire. Also read: 1994 fake encounter: SIT adds charges of murder, evidence destruction to FIR Police claimed that in the return fire, five people were injured. Three died on the spot, and two others were taken to the hospital, where one more died. Police also reported finding two AK-47 rifles and magazines inside the car. However, following a Supreme Court order on July 14, 2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The investigation was also joined by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) after a court directive. The SIT's probe, along with the report of the Justice C. Upendra Commission of Inquiry, found that the police may have staged the encounter. The report named SI Krishnatombi, SI Rajen, Constable Akhtar Hussain, Inaobi, Lungdim, and Ginkhanlei Vaiphei as responsible for the deaths of Major Shaiza, Rukhoshele, Tosovchu Chakhesang, Kikheto Sema, and H. Budha, and the injury of Thenucho. Another FIR was also filed on September 5, 1998, based on a complaint by Pemla Shaiza, wife of the late Major. She claimed that her husband and four others — including Thenucho (former Speaker, Nagaland), Tusovihu of Nagaland Police, Kekheto Sema of Nagaland Police, and Rukno Saila, driver of the car — were travelling in the vehicle when they were shot at by the commandos without provocation. The complaint said the attack was a case of cold-blooded murder and that police tried to cover up the crime by staging it as an encounter. Besides, one civilian, Hidam Budha of Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, also died in the incident due to a stray bullet. The investigation found evidence suggesting that the rifles found at the scene were planted and that the story of a gunfight was fabricated. Also Read: Sohrabuddin fake encounter case: 29th witness who 'saw a victim' turns hostile During the hearing, the CBI's Special Public Prosecutor requested the court to frame charges, while defence lawyers made no objections. After reviewing the charge sheet and other case materials, the court framed charges under IPC sections 302, 307, 201, and 34 against the four accused. However, the court noted that the Home Department of Manipur denied prosecution sanction against four other accused — Nongmaithem Rameshwor, Baremon Khamjai, Khundrakpam Ranjeet, and Leitanthem Sharat — who were also then commandos, so the trial cannot proceed against them. The CBI submitted the charge sheet in June 2020 after completing its investigation.
