DIMAPUR, MARCH 1 (MExN): The Western Yimchungrü Hoho (WYH) and the Pungro Public Forum (PPF) today accused Kiphire Police of employing “third degree” and torture at the “highest level” on the six persons who were arrested as suspects in the Zangrü murder case where seven of a family were murdered, a claim which the men in uniform say can be ascertained only after medical reports.
The public bodies in a press statement said the six who were arrested are “innocent-ignorant villagers without any criminal background.” After being brought to different police stations in Dimapur for safe custody, the suspects were subjected to “severe torture and harassment” where third-degree was employed during interrogation, WYH President Tsunthruba and PPF General Secretary Thsantsumong contended.
“Subsequently, one of the arrested persons, namely Mr. Khou Yimchungrü, (who was) at East Police Station was taken to hospital whence he was advised for X-ray.” Besides, the joint statement confronted that another detainee, Tia Yimchungrü, who was put up at West Police Station, “was badly beaten up” thus leaving him unconscious and “mentally imbalanced” and “then taken to hospital with the help of Police personnel as he is unable to stand and walk on his own.”
In the hard-hitting statement, the public bodies have placed responsibility on SDPO Kiphire, Yanger, and OC/IO, YK Pochury, in the event of death or physical handicap of the detainees. The Police officers have been accused of “personally taking interest in torturing the detainees beyond the power vested on them, in the guise of their official designation” and that they would “be solely responsible for any consequences and shall be answerable to entire Yimchungrü Community, not as police personnel but as individuals.”
Replying to this, SDPO Yanger said the policemen had no personal interest in the case but were following the line of duty. The government has to investigate the “heinous crime” for the “interest of the public,” he said.
Yanger added that on the night of February 24, the 6 who were arrested were brought directly to Kiphire and since they reached late, no questioning was carried out. The suspects were brought to Dimapur the very next day, he said.
On the accusation of harassment, he said, “I don’t think our people have tortured them.” After investigations, “some (of the suspects) may be released and some may be booked,” he said.
