Bail prayer dismissed

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 20:  Special Judge NIA Manipur has dismissed a bail application of Sairom Rabichandra, who is in jail in connection with the murder of Ningombam Nabachandra @ Nongdrenkhomba, ex-chairman of PREPAK and his driver, Leishangthem Sanjit Singh on the intervening night of 21st and 22nd June, 2016 inside quarter No 3, Type-II of 7th Battalion, Manipur Rifles, Khabeisoi. The bail application filed by the wife of Sairom Rabichandra of Uripok Yambem Leikai was dismissed by the NIA Court yesterday after the hearing on October 14. During the hearing, Counsel of the petitioner contended that the accused is in judicial custody since the last 3 years on the allegation that the pistols used in the crime were taken from his custody by accused Haobam Ahead @ Lemba and Tongbram Sanjit. The Counsel further maintained that accused (Rabichandra) had ‘not’ committed any offence levelled against him and he was arrested on ‘suspicion’.
On the other hand, Special Public Prosecutor NIA submitted that during the course of the investigation, four accused persons identified as Thokchom Gouri @ Ibungo @ Konsam, Haobam Ahead @ Lemba Singh, Ahongsangbam Kingson @ Yaiphaba and Laichombam Naocha @ Malangba were arrested and are presently in judicial custody at Sajiwa Central Jail while a fifth accused, Urikhinbam Budhichandra @ Budhi @ Poirei is still at large. The first chargesheet was filed on July 7, 2017 against four accused persons and charges were framed  on December 16, 2017.  The Special Public Prosecutor further maintained that  during the course of the investigation, it was revealed that accused Rabichandra Sairom @ Rabi was in contact with the main conspirator and had allegedly delivered weapons to accused Haobam Ahead @ Lemba and Tongbram Sanjit Singh @ Pari for execution of the crime. The NIA then arrested Rabichandra on July 12, 2017. The Court on perusal of the case record dismissed the bail application.