Imphal, October 30: Acting on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the Gauhati High Court has today asked the State Government to submit the report prepared by Justice (Retd) SP Rajkhowa in connection with the probe in the alleged sexual assault of Maibam Naobi Chanu before the Court on November 7.The verdict was passed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Maibam Bijoykumar following the PIL filed jointly by Phanjaobam Sakhi (70) and Yumlembam Mema (63), secretary and active member respectively of Nongpok Leingak Nupi Lup having its office at Wangkhei Meihoubam.

After perusing the probe report, the Court would issue necessary order, said Advocate Meihoubam Rakesh of HRLN, Imphal, who appeared on behalf of the petitioners.

Naobi (26) of Yairipok Leirongthel Pitra was arrested by Thoubal District Commandos from the courtyard of slain PLA cadre Kh Bikash of Khangabok in the evening of February 20 this year, the PIL said, adding that since the police failed to substantiate the charges levelled against her, the Court freed her on March 2 this year.

The PIL alleged that Naobi was sexually assaulted and tortured by the police commandos while in their custody and that no arrest memo was issued by the Commandos at the time of her arrest.

The PIL prayed before the Court to direct the State Govt and the DGP to punish the guilty commandos, payment of adequate compensation to the victim and institute an effective probe into the matter.

Ibobi Singh-Govt had placed five police commandos of Thoubal District including one ASI in connection with the incident.

Subsequently, an inquiry was set up under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd) SP Rajkhowa to establish the facts and circumstances leading to the incident.

The probe panel had submitted its report to the Govt in August last.

Comment