Imphal: The court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Churachandpur, has issued a non-bailable warrant for the arrest of Pramot Singh, chief of Meitei Leepun, in a case related to his controversial statement. The warrant was issued following Promot Singh’s failure to appear in court despite being duly served a notice. The court has also directed the Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur, for ensuring timely execution of the order which is returnable by November 9, 2023.
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On July 8, an FIR was registered against Pramot Singh at Kangpokpi Police Station following a complaint by Kuki Students Organisation (KSO), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi. He has been charged under various sections of Indian Penal Code for promoting enmity between different groups, defamation and making statements conducing to public mischief. In an interview to a senior journalist, Karan Thapar, for The Wire on 6th of June, 2023, Pramot Singh said that all the Kukis would be wiped out or annihilated from the soil of Manipur, which created strong reaction from the Kuki-Zo community.
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At the court hearing, the assistant public prosecutor submitted that during the course of investigation, the address of the accused person namely Pramot Singh was established as Nepali Basti, Chingmeirong, Imphal West District, which falls under Lamphel Police Station and his Office at Sana Konung, Imphal East District.
The application of the Investigating Officer of the case also stated that due to the ongoing communal conflicts, the accused person cannot be arrested at this juncture as the address of the accused falls under Lamphel Police Station.
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Accordingly, a message was sent to the OC of Lamphel Police Station for taking necessary action. Since there was no intimation received, a reminder was sent on September 9 under Section 41A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). However, there was no response. Subsequently, a notice was also served to the accused person to appear in person before the I/O on October 2, 2023 at 10:00 am at Churachandpur Police Station, but there was no response.
Upon hearing of the case and on perusal of the material record, the court issued the order.
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