Lest we forget: Justice yet to be delivered in the murder of Dr Kishan, Y Token and A Rajen
Lobbying does the trick, Pankaj Pal resumes duty in Bihar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 29 2010: The then Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district, Pankaj Kumar Pal, who was placed under suspension pending an inquiry in connection with the killing of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Th Kishan and his two sub-ordinate staff, has reportedly resumed official duty in Bihar after being released by the Government of Manipur.

According to an informed source, intense pressure was exerted upon the Government of Manipur to release PK Pal and consequently the lobbying paid dividends as not only the suspension order of IAS officer was revoked but he was also freed from legal obligations in the case.

Grieving widow of Dr Kishan fights back her tears while addressing a public meeting last year-File

It is said that being an IAS officer and posted as the Ukhrul DC on the basis of inter-cadre deputation, PK Pal had substantial support/backing in the Central Government whose pressure on the State Government finally paid off in the form of release order.

PK Pal is from Bihar and is likely to be posted somewhere close to his home State.

Even though the source declined to provide details with regard to when the release order was issued, information has been received that it might have been sometime in March-April this year.

As killing of the SDO, who was from Kangjabi Leirak, along with his driver Aribam Rajen of Uripok Khoisnam Leikai and Revenue Mandol Y token of Singjamei Yumnam Leikai, drew sharp criticisms and condemnations from various section of the society file process for revoking PK Pal's suspension and his release from Manipur was carried out at the top level, the source disclosed adding that lower level officials in the Department of Personnel had no idea of even the process.

Mention may be made that taking into account the sensitivity of the triple murder case, Commissioner O Nabakishore (IAS) and IGP (intelligence) LM Khaute were appointed to lead the investigation but the findings, if any, are yet to be made public.

PK Pal was placed under suspension and an inquiry initiated against him on the ground of duty negligence, lack of commitment and concealing vital information.

With similar charges the then Superintendent of Police (Ukhrul) A Dorjee (IPS) was also placed under suspension pending an inquiry.

It is pertinent to add that on February 13 last year, Dr Kishan, Rajen and Token accompanied by Extension Officer in-charge RS Raising from Chongdal village (Ukhrul), village level worker S Ramthing of Kasom Khullen and (peon) Kapungkhui of Poharam village left the private residence of the SDO for Ukhrul in a Maruti Gypsy.

After attending a meeting at the Ukhrul DC office the same afternoon wherein PK Pal was also present, Dr Kishan and five others were abducted from near the Gate of the DC Office by some armed cadres of the NSCN (IM).

While three of the Ukhrul residents showed up at their respective homes hours after their abduction, the mutilated bodies of Dr Kishan, Token and Rajen were discovered from near Lukhrabi Bridge of Taphou village under Senapati district on February 17 morning.

Speaking to newspersons on February 21, 2009 in connection with the gruesome murder, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has declared that a criminal case would be taken up against PK Pal based on prima facie evidence.

When contacted Dr Kishan's family members confided that despite invoking Right to information Act seeking whereabouts of PK Pal the Government declined to provide relevant details till date.