Manipur to hand over case of student’s death to CBI

Our Correspondent

Imphal, July 28 (EMN): The government of Manipur has initiated the process of handing over of the case of a class VII student—who died under mysterious circumstances— to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

“The process to hand over the case to CBI was initiated through the department concerned since Saturday,” said Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Clay Khongsai of Manipur Police department. “However we’ll continue further investigation in full swing till the CBI takes up the case.”

Speaking to reporters at the Imphal West district police headquarters here this evening, IGP Clay Khongsai informed that the department has been seriously “monitoring the case” by constituting a special investigation team.

It may be mentioned that the class VII student who is the daughter of N Tomchou Singh of Thangmeiband Maisnam Leikai, Imphal West District was found dead hanging inside the hostel of Standard Robarth Higher Secondary School, Canchipur in Imphal West district on July 18 morning.

Two persons who work as warden in the hostel of the Standard Robarth Higher Secondary School, Canchipur were arrested on July 24 and necessary legal proceedings are being conducted, the IGP said.

The statements of 36 students out of 37 who all stays at the hostel of the school were recorded, he added.

At the same time, second post-mortem was conducted with video coverage, he said. The victim’s family also lodged a complaint to the state police alleging that the girl did not commit suicide but was murdered.

Responding to a question, IGP Clay also informed that they will arrest the suspects as and when required as the police is seriously looking into the matter. ‘If necessary, we may also incorporate the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act as well during the investigation which is currently progressing,’ he said.

DIG Themthing Ngasangva of police department, SP K Meghachandra of Imphal West district, Additional SP of Imphal West district, officer in charge of Singjamei and Imphal police stations were also present during the day’s press briefing.

It is worth mentioning here that the newly formed Joint Action Committee against the mysterious death of student had even called a statewide bandh, citing “unsatisfactory response” from the state government on July 24.