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NIA takes over investigation of violence cases in Manipur

The central agency took over the investigation from the Manipur Police following instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi | November 18, 2024 9:47 pm

NIA takes over investigation of violence cases in Manipur

Photo: Official website of NIA

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation of three cases related to recent acts of violence in the northeastern state of Manipur. These incidents, which occurred earlier this month, led to the loss of lives and significant disruption, sources reported.

The central agency took over the investigation from the Manipur Police following instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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On Saturday, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced that important cases had been handed over to the NIA to ensure a more effective investigation into the violence, which resulted in tragic loss of life and disturbances to public order in the state.

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The cases include one filed at the Jiribam Police Station on November 8, regarding the murder of a woman by armed militants; another involving an attack on a CRPF post at Jakuradhor Karong and Borobekra Police Stations in Jiribam by armed militants; and the third case concerning the burning of houses and the killing of civilians in the Borobekra area, sources said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs also stated on Saturday that the security situation in Manipur had remained fragile in recent days, with armed miscreants from both communities engaging in violent acts.

The ministry directed security forces to take necessary measures to restore order and peace, while strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to engage in violent or disruptive activities.

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The Kerala High Court, on Thursday, granted bail to M K Nasar, one of the individuals convicted by the special NIA court last year in the case of chopping the hands of Professor T J Joseph in 2010. A division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice P V Balakrishnan suspended Nasar’s sentence and granted conditional bail to him after considering his appeal against the NIA court’s conviction in the case Considering the prolonged detention and citing the potential for trial delays, the court suspended Nasar’s sentence and granted conditional bail, taking into account that some co-accused with similar allegations had already been released after serving shorter terms. The court noted that he had already spent nine years in jail and that delays in resolving appeals could justify suspending a convict’s prison term. It also observed that other accused in the case had received lesser sentences and had already been released after serving their terms. “The applicant has been undergoing incarceration, at the pre-conviction and post-conviction phases, for over 9 years. Furthermore, the fact that the accused facing the same allegations were earlier imposed a lesser term of imprisonment and have been released after having undergone the sentence is a factor that cannot be ignored. Additionally, the appeals filed by the NIA against the findings of the learned Sessions Judge are being considered in separate appeals, which have not yet been taken up. “There is also the likelihood of delay, as the prime accused has surrendered, and the learned Sessions Judge may have to take up the trial and dispose of it in accordance with the law and some of the original records may be required for that purpose. In view of these facts and circumstances, we are of the considered opinion that the sentence imposed on the applicant can be suspended pending the consideration of the appeal.” The court said The court, however, imposed strict conditions for Nasar’s bail. He is not supposed to provide a bond of Rs 1 lakh with two sureties, refrain from leaving the country without the court’s permission, avoid interfering with the trial or witnesses, and not commit similar offences while on bail The gruesome incident dates back to July 4, 2010, when Joseph, a professor at Newman College, Thodupuzha, was returning from Sunday mass with his family, members of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI) attacked him, allegedly in retaliation for a question paper he set, which contained a passage that they claimed insulted Prophet Mohammed was derogatory. His right hand was chopped off in this attack. Nasar was accused of playing a critical role in the attack. Investigations revealed his involvement in recruiting gang members, assigning specific tasks, collecting funds, procuring communication devices, and maintaining communication links with key conspirators.

The Kerala High Court, on Thursday, granted bail to M K Nasar, one of the individuals convicted by the special NIA court last year in the case of chopping the hands of Professor T J Joseph in 2010.