Imphal, Jun 06: An emotionally drained Maipak Leima (50) collapsed before Justice (retired) S Rajkhowa, who is heading the probe into sexual assault of maibam Naobi Chanu, today.

The incident occurred as Leima (Naobi's mother) was deposing before the panel member and the proceeding had to be stalled for a brief period to enable the woman regain consciousness, which she eventually did, after some womenfolk rushed to her aid with cold water.

The proceeding venue is located at a Hotel Imphal room.

On resumption, Maipak Leima recalled the events leading to her daughter's detention by police commandos of Thoubal district who accused Naobi Chanu of being a close associate of a UG cadre involved in the gunning down of Commando Inspector N Lokhon Singh at Thoubal Bazar area in February, this year.

The mother's inquiry about her daughter at Khangabok commando complex drew blank as security personnel barred her entry but conveyed that Naobi had been taken to Lilong police station, said Maipak Leima.

Reiterating that her daughter had confided of being subjected to inhumane treatment besides made to endure sexual harassment, Leima termed as unspeakable before the panel the degree of torture her daughter faced in the police custody.

In the afternoon session of the proceeding, Leima was cross-examined by counsels appearing on behalf of the police.

It may be recalled that Naobi Chanu, a private school teacher, was picked up from the residence of the slain UG cadre where she had gone to attend the funeral service.

As the police could not substantiate charges levelled against Naobi Chanu court of Thoubal CJM ordered her release.

As pre-emptive measure to subdue mass-public uprising denouncing the police atrocities, the State Government suspended five commando personnel in addition to instituting the probe panel headed by the retired High Court judge.

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