Lungnila Elizabeth case : Court frees two from judicial custody IMPHAL, Sep 20: Two persons, who were in the judicial custody since April this year in connection with the infamous Lungnila Elizabeth kidnapping and murder case, were discharged from judicial custody by the Sessions Court Manipur West today. Laishram Biren of Pukhao Naharup Sagolmang and Heisnam Ningol alias Premi Devi of Arong Nongmaikhong in Thoubal district were arrested by a special team of CBI in April this year in connection with the case. CBI submitted a final report against the duo on August 29 to the Court. During today’s hearing of the final report under Section 173 of CrPC, the Court observed that there was discrepancy between the FIR and the process of investigation and lack of transparency in the conduct of the Investigating Officer (IO) while investigating the case. After scrutinising the final report, the Court ordered to discharge or release the duo from judicial custody if there is no need for their further detention in connection with other cases. The Court also observed that the order would not have any impact on other accused persons, who are facing trial in connection with Lungnila Elizabeth kidnapping and murder case. It may be mentioned that after the then 8-year-old Lungnila Elizabeth, daughter of then GAD and Taxation Minister Francis Ngajokpa, went missing and the matter was reported to the police on November 5, 2003, her lifeless body, wrapped in a gunny bag, was recovered from Tera Sadokpam in Imphal West on November 12, 2003. Initially, the case was investigated by the Lamphel Police Station before it was handed over to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Manipur police. Later, the State Government handed over the case to CBI in 2004. After a marathon investigation that lasted around a decade, on March 9, 2014, CBI declared a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh each to the informer(s), who could provide information about three persons including the duo, who were discharged from the case today. Later, a special CBI team arrested Heisnam Ningol alias Premi from RIMS complex on April 8, 2014 and Laishram Biren from Sangaiprou FCI Road on April 16, 2014 though the third accused person is still absconding. It is also pertinent to mention that the Court rejected the bail pleas made during the duo’s previous appearance in the Court. (SE)
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 23:48:35 +0000
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