The Sessions Judge of Imphal West on Wednesday granted interim bail to the police officer who physically assaulted a woman vendor in Imphal West district.
The court, while granting interim bail, stated that anticipatory bail of Haobijam Babuchouba Meetei, aged about 50 years, son of (Late) H Leiyon Singh of Thanga Oinam Leikai, presently residing at Tera Sapam Leirak, will be considered after a detailed report is received from the concerned OC.
The court directed the concerned OC to furnish a detailed report of the matter and an FIR till next hearing on September 16.
Meanwhile, the cop was granted interim pre-arrest bail in connection with the matter or FIR case. The court stated that in the event of arrest in connection with the matter/FIR, the cop will be released on interim bail on his furnishing of PR bond of Rs 30,000 with one surety of the like amount.
The cop’s counsel submitted before the court that on September 4 at about 7 pm, he went to the business place of one Haobijam Ningol Ningthoujam Ongbi Mangolnganbi Devi at Tera Lukram Leirak Machin and the petitioner asked her to repay the amount which she borrowed from him. But Mangolnganbi Devi got angry and attempted to cut the police officer by using a knife following which the petitioner pushed her to save himself and Mangolnganbi Devi fell on the ground.
While the police officer was out of his house, some police personnel of Lamphel PS came to his house and informed his family members that he should appear before the police station, the counsel continued.
The counsel also submitted that the police officer has never committed any offence but he has apprehension that he might be arrested by the personnel Lamphel PS on false and concocted charges and prayed for granting the bail.
The court, after considering the facts submitted before the court in the application, opined that the matter will be considered after a detailed report is received from the concerned OC.
The court granted interim bail with conditions that he shall cooperate with the investigation; that he shall be available before the investigating authority; that he shall not influence prosecution witnesses and he shall not leave the state of Manipur without prior permission of the court.
It may be mentioned that a 65-year-old widow vendor was physically abused by a police officer, Babuchouba on September 4 at around 8:30 pm at Tera Lukram Leirak in Imphal West. Following the incident, the woman vendor was admitted at Shija Hospitals, Langol.
