The JMFC, Imphal West-1 on Tuesday remanded two women lecturers of Saina Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), who surrendered before the court on December 5, in three days' police custody till December 8, in connection with the SIMS rape case.
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 were reportedly involved and co-accused in the alleged kidnapping and raping of a 21-year-old student from the institute by the founder cum managing director, Yumnam Surjitkumar Mangang after giving her a cold drink which was allegedly mixed with sleeping pills.
In connection with the incident, the main accused, Surjitkumar, and other three co-accused, including the two women lecturers, had filed for anticipatory bail before the High Court but were dismissed on October 15.
Police submitted before the court that the accused persons were evading arrest till date despite cancellation of anticipatory bail by the Session Court as well as the HC of Manipur.
During police preliminary interrogation, they admitted that they went with the victim for a picnic at Andro Park, however, they were adamant to reveal their actual involvement in the case, the police said. So, their custodial interrogation, tactfully and thoroughly is required in order to bring out the actual involvement in the case, the police said and prayed for remanding them in three days of police custody.
The court, after hearing the submission, remanded them in police custody.
Meanwhile, a large number of women from the victim’s side stormed Lamphel court complex during their production and demanded for the arrest of the remaining accused and main accused.
Following that, members of JAC of Against Rape and Sexual Harassment, SIMS approached Manipur Press Club and conducted a press meet wherein the convenor, L Roshni, demanded that the main accused and co-accused should be arrested within three days.
The JAC will start a protest from December 7 and if the culprits are not arrested within three days, they will call for bandh along the India-Myanmar Road, the convenor said.