Further remand

IMPHAL, Jun 21: Assam Rifles personnel Ningthoujam Shanker (26) was remanded to further judicial custody till July 5 by Chief Judicial Magistrate Imphal East today, in connection with the escape of Th Nando from JNIMS.
The Court also fixed the hearing of the bail application filed by Shanker's counsel on the same day.
26 Assam Rifles personnel Ningthoujam Shanker (36) s/o N Ingocha of Heirok Part II bazaar, was produced before the Court after completion of 9 days in police custody and during the proceeding, the IO of the case (through the APP) submitted that Shanker was taken into custody after being formally arrested for supplying a mobile handset to Th Nando while he (Nando) was getting treatment at JNIMS.
It was further submitted that during the questioning, it was revealed that Shanker was closely acquainted with Nando and they met several times at JNIMS and under Nando's direction, he had helped Bikash Limbu (one of the UTP roommates of Th Nando) get bail by giving financial aid.
It was also revealed that one Kh Nando of Wangjing Lamding and Bikash Limbu are very close associates of Th Nando, and they might have also been involved in his escape in between March 25 and 26.
The IO further submitted that several hectic efforts are being made to arrest Bikash Limbu as well as Kh Nando.
On the other hand, the defense counsel of N Shanker filed a remand objection along with a prayer for releasing him on bail.
The defense counsel also submitted that there are no evidences to back the charges levelled against Shanker and also claimed that he has been tortured while in custody.
After hearing both parties in length and satisfied with the police prayer, the Court remanded N Shanker to judicial custody till July 5.
The Court also directed the IO to verify the allegation of torture of the accused in police custody and to submit the report before the Court without fail.
The Court further instructed the SP Imphal East to conduct an inquiry and file a report regarding the assault in police custody and to the jail authority to conduct proper medical treatment of the accused.
On the other hand, the defense counsel also expressed apprehension as the 26 Assam Rifles personnel has been lodged with other UTP and as such prayed for security to be provided and following this prayer, the Court directed the SP Manipur Central Jail Sajiwa to provide two security personnel to the accused.