Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 28:
Hearing for the functionaries of TIPS-Leitanthem Umakanta and Y Langamba arrested for alleged connection with a proscribed outfit will be held tomorrow before the District and Sessions Judge, Manipur East Max Phazang.
Even as the police submitted charge sheets against the duo before a Magistrate on September 25, all the case records were referred to the District and Sessions Judge Manipur East.
L Umakanta being brought to the Court by security personnel
According to an order of the Magistrate, the jail authorities today produced Umakanta and Langamba before the Sessions Judge where the Additional Public Prosecutor prayed to defer the hearings to a latter date pleading that she was yet to receive relevant case dossiers including the charge sheets.
On the other hand, advocate Lakhikanta appearing on behalf of the detained TIPS executives, urged that the matter be taken up promptly in view of the high sensitivity of the case and the long Puja holiday from September 30.He requested to hearing tomorrow be held to which the Court agreed.
The two were supposed to be produced before the Magistrate yesterday but the jail authority failed to comply with the order citing lack of security personnel to escort the detainees.
Advocate Lakhikanta said that the Judge would witness the contents of the CDs seized from Thabi before the Court to confirm whether they are incriminating or not.
Asserting that the investigating team of the State police have failed to substantiate the charges levelled against the arrested TIPS duo, he said that he would present his points to affect the release of his clients.
Umakanta was granted bail on August 30 by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal but he refused to furnish the bail bond contending that he should be released without any condition.
Consequent upon the denial to sign the bond, the Court remanded him to judicial custody further.
General Secretary of TIPS Umakanta was arrested from his Porompat Thawanthaba Leikai residence on August 24 and an FIR was registered against him under section 38/39 UA (P) A Act, 2004.He was charged of having close connections with a banned organisation.
TIPS Publicity secretary Langamba was picked up the previous day by a combined team of Manipur Police and Assam Rifles from his residence under the same charge.
Umakanta, a lawyer himself had disclosed before the CJM that he was blindfolded and subjected to third degree torture several times while in police custody.