Looting of government armories is a serious crime. This act not only constitutes theft but also poses significant risks to public safety and national security. Perpetrators of such crimes can face severe legal consequences, including lengthy imprisonment, fines, and other penalties, due to the potential danger posed by the stolen weapons. Therefore, law enforcement agencies take stringent measures to prevent and prosecute such offenses to maintain public safety and protect national security.
However, to the surprised of many neutral observers, the six persons arrested by Manipur Police on February 14 in connection with looting of arms at the 5th Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) camp at Chingarel Tejpur in Imphal East District on the night of February 13 were released on bail with PR bond of Rs. 30,000 each on Wednesday.
The six accused are:
- Mayengbam Binod Singh, aged about 31 years, S/o M. Ibochaoba Singh of Waiton Makha Leikai, PS Heingang, Imphal East District, Manipur
- Leitanthem Naoba Meitei, aged about 37 years, S/o late L.Binoy Meitei of Waitom mayai Leikai, PS Heingang,Imphal East District, Manipur.
- R.K. Sanjoy, aged about 37 years, S/o R.K. Sanahal of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai, PS Porompat, Imphal East District, Manipur.
- Rajkumar Rody Singh, aged about 36 years, S/o late R.K.Thambalsana Singh of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai, PS Porompat, Imphal East District, Manipur.
- Wangmayum Sanathoi, aged about 21 years, S/o W. Noor Hussain of KR Lane, New Checkon, PS Porompat, Imphal East District, Manipur.
- Sunir Phundreimayum, aged about 19 years, S/o Md. Sagir Ahamad of Lilong Mayai Leikai, A/P KR Lane, New Checkon, PS Porompat, Imphal East District, Manipur.
- They were produced before the Court of Special Judge NIA, Imphal East at the Chierap Court Complex in Uripok via video conference.
- It may be noted here that a mass sit-in-protest was staged at Khurai Lamlong Bazar in Imphal East district on February 25 demanding unconditional release of the six individuals arrested by the police in connection with the recent arms looting case.
- A mob on the night of February 13 stormed the post of 5th IRB at Chingarel in Imphal East and allegedly looted around 15 different types of arms with ammunition. On the following day, the police arrested the six persons allegedly involved in the case. They were lodged in a jail after a local court remanded them to judicial custody till February 28.
- It may be recalled that intense mob violence broke out at the Chierap Court Complex on February 20 demanding unconditional release of the 6 arrested persons. In the incident, 6 people including one advocate and one media person sustained injuries during a scuffle with security personnel. Lawyers in Manipur on February 21 staged a sit-in-protest against “chaos” created inside the Court complex in Imphal.
- Granting bail to the accused individuals involved in the armory looting case at the 5th IRB reflects a concerning leniency in the judicial process and raised questions about the commitment to upholding law and order in Manipur. This decision undermines the severity of the crime and sends a message of impunity, potentially emboldening criminals to engage in similar activities in the future.
- The act of looting government armories is a serious offense that poses a significant threat to public safety and security. It not only endangers the lives of law
- enforcement personnel but also puts the entire community at risk by placing deadly weapons in the hands of criminals and insurgents.
- Granting bail to the accused without thorough consideration of the potential risks and implications demonstrates a lack of accountability and disregard for the gravity of the crime. It fails to address the underlying issues of lawlessness plaguing the Imphal valley and may further erode public trust in the judicial system. Moreover, the decision to release the accused individuals could undermine ongoing investigations and hamper efforts to hold them accountable for their actions.
