Imphal, March 29: Amid unrelenting widespread protest against the alleged sexual assault of Maibam Naobi Chanu by Thoubal Police Commandos, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed on the matter against the State and the accused Commandos in particular.

Having heard the PIL, a Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court headed by Justices MBK Singh and TNK Singh today issued notice of motion to the State respondents making them returnable within three weeks.

The case was filed by Panjaobam Sakhi (70) and Yumlembam Mema (63), secretary and active member respectively of Nongpok Leingak Nupi Lup having its office at Wangkhei Meihoubam.

The PIL contended that Naobi (26) of Yairipok Leirongthel Pitra was arrested by a team of Thoubal District Commandos from the courtyard of a slain PLA cadre, Kh Bikash of Khangabok in the evening of February 20.It further contended that the Commandos neither issued arrest memo while arresting the girl nor followed the legal formalities prescribed by the Supreme Court.

On February 22, Naobi was handed over to Thoubal Police station after which the police registered an FIR against her.

Thoubal CJM on the next day allowed the police prayer to remand her to police custody for 9 days till March 3.The PIL alleged that Naobi was tortured and sexually assaulted while in the custody of the Commandos.

Referring to the medical examination report, the PIL said that Naobi was assaulted.

The report, however, gave no definite comment as to whether she was sexually assaulted or not, the PIL pointed out, praying before the Court to direct the State and the DGP to punish the guilty commandos, payment of adequate compensation to the victim and setting up a full-fledged and effective inquiry on the matter.

Advocate Khaidem Mani assisted by advocate Rakesh Meihoubam of Human Rights Law Network, Manipur Unit appeared on behalf of the PIL petitioners.

The other listed respondents in the case include SP and OC Thoubal.

There has been no let up to the public outcry against the misconduct of the Police Commandos on Naobi and protest demonstration continued to be held at different parts of the State.

The places where the protest demonstration were held today include Changangei Uchekon, Heirangoithong Bazar, Chingamakha Maibam Leirak, Chingamakha Oinam Leirak, Khurai Chingangbam Leirak, Khurai Ningthoubung Khunou, Nongpok Sanjenbam Keithel, Lamlongei keithel, Makhel Bazar etc.