Imphal, May 21, 2006: The Rajkhowa panel instituted to probe into alleged sexual assault of Maibam Naobi Chanu in police custody has fixed June 3 for further hearing on the case. The Commission headed by Justice (retired) SP Rajkhowa had already allowed Naobi’s petition to examine her in-camera.
According to counsels appearing on behalf of the victim girl, examination-in-chief on her might be conducted by all parties very soon.
Even as the police party (accused) exchanged affidavits with that of Naobi followed by submission of counter-affidavits (affidavit-in-reply) before the panel, Naobi’s lawyers are unlikely to reciprocate in similar vein as they (lawyers) would most probably rely on verbal replies before the probe panel.
Arrested on allegation of having close alliance with a slain UG cadre, M Naobi was arrested by Thoubal police commandos on February 21 under whose custody the girl alleged of being sexually harassed.
She was released by a court that found the police case to be lacking substantive evidence in framing the charges.
It may be mentioned that five commando personnel accused of being involved in the sexual harassment incident have been placed under suspension.
Source: The Sangai Express