The self-proclaimed BJP karyakarta, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting media persons at DIPR office in Imphal and destructing government property, was remanded in judicial custody for 15 days by the duty magistrate of Imphal West on Wednesday, the same day he was arrested.
The accused, identified as Meitram Sanatomba alias Sana Meitra, 44, son of late M Ibopishak of Sega Road Takhellambam Leikai, Imphal West, was arrested by the City Police minutes after he allegedly assaulted a reporter from a national media outlet and manhandled a local female journalist inside the DIPR auditorium on Wednesday afternoon using CM Biren's name.
Following the incident, the city police station swiftly registered an FIR based on a complaint lodged by the director of IPR and the two victims.
The complaint outlined not only the assault on media personnel, but also the wanton destruction of government office property, including the routers and internet wires within the auditorium which were vital components for providing internet services to both local and national media representatives present at the venue.
The police, accompanied by the accused, presented him before the duty magistrate with a prayer for judicial custody remand, seeking a smooth investigation of the case on the same day.
After carefully examining the case records and hearing the submissions of the IO assigned to the case, the duty magistrate decided to remand Meitram Sanatomba in judicial custody until July 5.
The case will now proceed with a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the assault and the extent of the damage caused to the government office property, the magistrate stated.
The authorities remain committed to ensuring a fair and just legal process, while simultaneously upholding the freedom and safety of journalists who play a vital role in our society, it stated.
Meanwhile a release issued by Manipur BJP general secretary L Deben Singh clarified that the accused was not related with BJP Manipur in any fields or activities.
On Wednesday, the victims and other eyewitnesses had called on CM Biren at his secretariat in Imphal during which the CM personally clarified that he was not related with the accused and had not given any such instruction, as started by the accused.
To prevent such unwanted incidents in the future, the chief minister also assured to deploy security and impose restrictions of entry at the DIPR.
Also Read: BJP 'karyakarta' assaults media persons in DIPR Imphal
