A man who was allegedly picked up by a police team from his locality in Sagolband Kangabam Leikai under Imphal Police Station in Imphal West on Monday later died at a hospital after he was released the same day. The deceased’s family alleged that police torture led to his death.
As per sources, Arambam Nanao, 35, son of (L) Dhananjay of Sagolband Kangabam Leikai was picked up from near his address by a sub-inspector of Imphal Police Station at around 9 am.
Arambam Ongbi Lata, 54, aunt of the deceased, expressed that Imphal police station called up Nanao’s family over the phone around 10 am and informed that he is under their custody. When family members went to the station, they were told to return after 3 pm, she said.
At around 3 pm, the same police team led by the sub inspector brought Nanao back to his home at Kangabam Leikai, she said. Nanao, who appeared to be physically weak, called out her name and fell unconscious, she added.
As Nanao collapsed, the sub-inspector fled from the scene, she further alleged. However, the remaining police team rushed Nanao to RIMs casualty where he breathed his last some time later, she added.
Meanwhile, family members of the deceased protested at RIMS casualty and shouted against alleged police brutality. To control the situation, additional police forces arrived at the scene.
Family members expressed that they found injury and torture marks on the body and alleged that it was a case of custodial death. They said that they will not collect the body until the government takes up immediate action against the alleged murderers.
Before the body was transported to the mortuary, late Nanao’s wife, Teressa, 30, fell unconscious at home and she was also admitted in RIMS Casualty. Teressa recently delivered a baby who is only 32-day old.
Sources said that Nanao was a goldsmith by profession and the police team came to pick him up after one Kangabam Jackey, 37, son of K Inao from the same locality allegedly raised a complaint in connection with a matter concerning gold jewellery.
In connection with the case, a case has been registered by the police station concerned and the body is being kept at RIMS Mortuary.
