In an interesting twist not totally unexpected, the July 2009 fake encounter case is developing into a blockbuster in the making. After Manipur Police head constable Thounaojam Herojit Singh, the main accused in the whole sordid episode had earlier failed to appear before the court of district and sessions, Imphal West at Cheirap Court Complex on February 2, M Manoj, the Presiding Officer of the case did not turn up today at the Cheirap Court as he is on an abrupt official tour to Tamenglong District even as all the 9 accused persons were present for the much anticipated proceedings. Amidst the jam-packed court compound, Herojit was ushered in flanked by a large group of elderly meira paibis and human rights activists and even managed to address the anticipating media persons. According to him, the admission to killing Sanjit was his own decision and is not influenced by anyone or, under any drugs or intoxicants and was given in the best interest of justice and for a secure future of the people of Manipur and vowed not to retract his admission. He expressed appreciation to the people for providing him the much needed support and encouragement to face the reality without any doubt and also reiterated that he is ready and prepared to accept any punishment meted out to him by the law of the land, even if it happens to be a death sentence.
The next hearing has been fixed for March 3.
