Imphal, February 22: The Manipur Human Rights Commission has registered a case in connection with the reported torture and harassments meted out to the family members of one Bikash alias Romen of Heirok, who took part in the attack on a team of Thoubal police commandos on February 20 and which claimed the lives of four personnel including its OC N Lokhon. Bikash also shot himself to death after getting shot on the knee in the gun fight.

Following the registration of the case, a team of MHRC members went to the house of late Bikash to conduct a spot inquiry today evening.

The team consisting of Lt Col (Retd) RK Rajendra and Ng Nongyai went to the house of Bikash at Khangabok Part III and met the family members to record the harassments meted out to them by police commandos yesterday evening.

Giving their side of the story, the family members narrated that the police commandos not only beat them up, but also threatened them not to hold the Shorat ceremony of the departed soul and even threatened that if their warning is not heeded, then another Shorat will follow soon.

The elder brother of Bikash, Binod was threatened not to step out of the house or else he would be shot, said the family members. The police commandos not only demanded that the family hand over Rs 1 lakh which was kept at the house by a woman but also arrested the girl friend of Bikash identified as Inaobi Devi of Leirongthel, without issuing any arrest memo.

MHRC conducted the spot inquiry after submitting a report to the DGP.

After hearing the family members of Bikash the team then went to the office of Thoubal SP to meet the officer.

However the Commission members were not allowed to proceed beyond the gate of the SP's office on the ground that not a single officer was available for comments.

When the Commission members inquired whether the DGP may be informed that not a single officer was present at the office, the personnel on sentry duty replied in the affirmative.

Lt Col (Retd) Rajendra then handed over a copy of the proceedings of the MHRC held today to the sentry on duty.

Later the Commission members met the OC of Thoubal police at the police station and instructed him to provide security to the family members of Bikash until the last rites are performed.

When the Commission members asked whether a case has been lodged in connection with the arrest of Inaobi Devi, the OC replied that not a single case has been framed till date as there is no report of the arrest.

The MHRC took up the case after the younger sister of the late militant filed a petition.

The decision to conduct a spot inquiry was taken during the proceedings of the MHRC today.

The Commission has also asked the respondent, the State Govt, to submit a report on the matter by February 27.A public meeting was held today at Khangabok part III wherein they expressed their condolence over the death of the four police commandos.

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