Manipur orders magisterial probe into Churachandpur police office violence
The Manipur government has initiated a magisterial enquiry into the violence that erupted in Churachandpur on February 15, resulting in two deaths and numerous injuries.
In Short
- Manipur government orders magisterial probe into Churachandpur violence
- Attack on officers seen as attempt to incite anti-establishment feelings
- Violence erupted after suspension of a head constable
The Manipur government has ordered a magisterial enquiry into the violence that broke out on February 15 in the hilly district of Churachandpur over the action taken against a policeman, which claimed two lives.
Hours after the suspension of a head constable, an unidentified group of people targeted the offices of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police in Churachandpur and destroyed properties and assets. Police vehicles were also torched by the mob.
At least two people were killed and 30 injured in firing by security forces.
The N Biren Singh government stated that the officers were attacked "with a view to inciting anti-establishment feelings".
"The state government is of the opinion that it is necessary to institute a magisterial enquiry to ascertain facts and circumstances leading to the crimes/violence/vandalism/arson of seditious nature and loss of lives, intimidation and threats to the lives of the DC and SP, Churachandpur..." the state government order said.
The Manipur Governor appointed Churachandpur District Magistrate Dharun Kumar as the enquiry authority to conduct the magisterial probe.
The enquiry into the incident has been announced to “ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the incident(s)” and the report shall be submitted to the government within 30 days, the order stated.
Head constable Siamlalpaul was placed under suspension after a purported video of him with "armed men" went viral on social media.