CBI files fake encounter cases

Imphal, Oct. 14: The CBI has registered two cases of alleged fake encounter killings of two youths in Manipur by the state police in 2008 and 2012.

In a report submitted to Imphal East chief judicial magistrate Imphal East N. Lanleima, the CBI special crime III unit yesterday prayed for a directive to the investigating officers to keep the case files safe and intact for proper investigation by the central agency.

The cases concern the killing of a youth, Md Jamir Khan, at Kyamgei Shantipur in Imphal East allegedly by police commandos on January 20, 2012 and of another youth, Soram Ranjit Singh, at Hatta Minuthong in Imphal city in February 2008.

The police claimed the youths were killed during encounters, a claim strongly contested by their families.

The CBI registered the cases following the constitution of a special investigation team after the directive by the Supreme Court on July 14 this year on a petition filed by the Extra-judicial Execution Victim Families' Association and Human Rights Alert, Manipur.

The Supreme Court asked the CBI to investigate 83 cases of fake encounter killings in Manipur.

The apex court selected these out of 1,528 cases of alleged fake encounter killings listed in the petition.

The petition prayed for setting up of a special investigation team to probe the 1,528 killings allegedly committed by the army, Assam Rifles and state police.

The CBI's special investigation team is reportedly gathering information according to the FIRs registered in different police stations, in connection with alleged fake encounter killings, reports of inquiry commissions and 16 cases of judicial inquiries.

Babloo Loitongbam, executive director of Human Rights Alert, welcomed the registration of the cases.

"We are eagerly waiting for the logical conclusion of the cases and delivery of justice to the relatives of the victims of the fake encounter killings. The victims and their relatives have been denied justice for all these years. The Supreme Court's directive to constitute a special investigation team has raised the hope that justice will be finally delivered," he said.

He said his organisation and Extra-judicial Execution Victims Families' Association would extend full cooperation to the CBI team so that the truth comes to light and the guilty are punished.

Seeking speedy investigation and prompt justice, Renu Takhellambam, president of the association, urged the relatives of the victims and eyewitnesses to come forward and extend full cooperation to the investigation.

In July, the Supreme Court had ordered a CBI investigation into the alleged extra-judicial killings by security forces in Manipur. Overruling objections by the government and the army, the apex court sought the central agency's response within two weeks.

A bench, comprising Justices M.B. Lokur and U.U. Lalit, directed the CBI director to form a team of officers to conduct the probe. In April, 282 cases were referred to the SC for verification, prompting the bench to direct the Centre to distinguish those related to the armed forces, including the Army and Assam Rifles.