26 years on, four former Manipur police commandos charged in 1998 ‘Fake Encounter’ case

After nearly 26 years, justice inches forward in a case long seen as emblematic of extrajudicial killings in Manipur. The Imphal West Sessions Court on Thursday framed charges against four former police commandos for their alleged involvement in the 1998 killing of Major Shimreingam Shaiza and four others in what has been described as a “fake encounter.”
The accused, identified as Thokchom Krishnatombi (then Sub-Inspector), and constables Khundongbam Inaobi, Thangkhongam Lungdim, and Md Akhtar Hussain, face charges under IPC Sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), and 34 (common intention).
The incident occurred on August 29, 1998, when Major Shaiza, brother of former Manipur Chief Minister Yangmasho Shaiza, was travelling in a vehicle with four others. Initially claimed by police as an encounter with insurgents, the narrative was later challenged by eyewitnesses and family members.
Following years of stagnation, the Supreme Court directed a CBI probe in 2017. A Special Investigation Team, supported by the NHRC and Justice C Upendra Commission, concluded the encounter was staged. The CBI filed its charge sheet in June 2020. Proceedings against two other accused remain stalled due to the Manipur government’s refusal to grant prosecution sanction.