NHRC recommends Rs.5 lakh in a case of encounter in Manipur (12.6.2015)

PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, Dated: 12th June, 2015

The National Human Rights Commission has recommended that the Government of Manipur pay Rs.5 lakh as monetary relief to the next of kin of Sorokhiabam Jibon Singh, who was killed in an encounter at Chandanadi Lamkhai, Imphal West District of Manipur on the 1st July, 2009. The Commission, while recommending monetary relief to the next of kin of the victim, observed that in the facts and circumstances of the case, even assuming that there was an encounter as claimed by police, there could be no justification for such excessive use of force. It also observed that the police exceeded the right of defence. It has given eight weeks time for compliance report and proof of payment.

On consideration of material on record received from the State Government, in response to its notices since 2010, the Commission observed that from the perusal of magisterial enquiry report, it is clear that Inquiry Officer had not associated family members of the deceased with the enquiry. Thus, the enquiry report did not inspire confidence.

From the perusal of the post-mortem examination report, there were ten entrance wounds on the inter-costal region and abdomen and ten exit wounds on the backside of the body. Apart from it, there were firearm injuries on the right forearm and axilla. The injuries sustained by the deceased were not only fatal but also large in number indicating that police used excessive force during encounter.

The police had claimed that on receiving information that some hardcore members of KCP (MC) were loitering for committing prejudicial activities like kidnapping of government officials for ransom, a combined team was constituted. At about 09:10 p.m. on the 1st July, 2009, while patrolling from Chajing Village side, two youths were found moving on foot at the Narankonjin Chingjen in a very suspicious manner. They were asked to stop, but they opened fire, which was retaliated. One unknown armed youth was killed on the spot and another escaped towards Narankonjin Village side.

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