AR states position on rape case

Imphal, February 23: Reacting to the news item that a PIL has been filed against Assam Rifles authority for failing to take up a rape case, Assam Rifles has spelt out its position and the action taken up in connection with the rape case. A statement issued by the PIB Defence Wing today said that for speedy trial and quick dispensation of justice, the Assam Rifles authority took over the case in question from the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal on October 30 last year. Immediately a departmental inquiry was ordered to establish prima facie responsibility, said the statement and added that the inquiry found the individual blame worthy. Further legal process was initiated as per the requirements for a Court Martial, said the statement and added that administrative action has been taken against commanders in chain for dereliction of duty which led to the incident. In order to ensure that there are no loopholes in the evidence, statements had to be obtained from the Medical Officer who had examined the victim as also evidence adduced by the investigating police officials, said PIB. The Medical Officer concerned has since been transferred to Kolkata from Imphal which delayed the recording of his statement. The statement further said that all evidence has been taken and further legal process is underway to Court Martial. Once the legal process and concurrence is obtained from the command channels, disciplinary action will be taken and as always it will be the endeavour of Assam Rifles that the guilty are appropriately punished. Assam Rifles also expressed regret that the PIL was filed without obtaining details from them. The PIL was jointly filed by Human Rights Alert executive director Babloo Loitongbam and co-ordinator Nonibala Devi Yengkhom. The case pertains to the rape of a woman identified as Meinam Bina Devi by a jawan of the 25 Assam Rifles at Luwangshangbam Matai Mamang Leikai on October 6, 2001.