The JMFC, Imphal West-1 on Thursday remanded two women lecturers of Saina Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), who surrendered before the court on December 5 in connection with the SIMS rape case, to 15 days' judicial custody till December 22.
The two lecturers are Sonia Yambem @ Yambem Nonibala Cahnu, 29, daughter of Y Kulla Devi of Bhamon Kampu Yambem Leikai and Laishram Kunjarani Devi, 29, daughter of L Ibopishak of Top Khongnangkhong, Imphal East.
The two admitted that they went for a picnic to Andro Park on August 14, 2022 and they had lured the victim from near the gate of her residence to join them. They further admitted that, being teachers of the victim, they failed to protect her and instead abandoned her alone at an unknown place with managing director Surjitkumar and Wajid.
Police submitted before the court on Thursday that from further investigation they found that the managing director of the institute, Yumnam Surjitkumar, in collusion with Wajid and supported by the two lecturers had conspired, abducted, confined and concealed the victim to compel her to marry the managing director.
The police also submitted Surjitkumar raped the victim against her will which is well evidence from the medico-legal examination report of the victim’s statement as well as FSL, Pangei expert opinion report.
The two arrested accused have not revealed the whereabouts of the main accused and another co-accused. They are still absconding and evading police arrest at large, being adamant to surrender themselves by disregarding the High Court order, the police said.
It may be noted that the main accused, Yumnam Surjitkumar, appeared before the OC, Women PS of Imphal West and was interrogated thoroughly, tactfully and minutely. On interrogation, he admitted the charge of offence levelled against him and a conducted medico-examination.
Further, co-accused Wajid also appeared before the OC but during the interrogation, Wajid declined the charge levelled against him, however, he revealed that he helped the main accused in eloping with the victim and on that night, the main accused stayed with the victim at his house.
The police stated that in such crucial and final stages of investigation, if the arrested accused are set free, there is possibility of absconding and may influence important prosecution witnesses. Therefore, police prayed for remanding into judicial custody.
The court heard the submission and remanded them into 15-day judicial custody.
