MLA appears before Court

IMPHAL, Oct 27: In connection with the 2nd Manipur Rifles arms missing case, Saikul AC MLA Yamthong Haokip and three other accused persons appeared before the Court of Special Judge NIA Manipur today for explanation of the charges framed against them. Yesterday, Yamthong Haokip, Riflemen Laishram Anilkumar, Talung Pungphinamei and Thokchom James had failed to appear before the Court during the announcement of charges framed against them and seven others.
The Court had directed them to appear without fail for explanation of the charges framed against them.
It may be noted that 56 number of 9mm pistols along with 58 magazines were found missing from the arms kote of 2nd Manipur Rifle between 2014 and 2018. During their appearances today, the Court explained the charges levelled against the accused persons and they pleaded not guilty and asked for a trial. The Court then fixed November 4 for hearing of the first prosecution witness of the NIA. Charges have been farmed against Saikul AC MLA Yamthong Haokip, KRA chief David Hangsing, Havildar Nellakattil Podiyan, Riflemen, Laishram Anilkumar,  Ngamboi Haokip @ Raju, Haobam Brojendro, Paonam Shantikumar Singh, Laishram Damudor, Talung Pungphinamei Mathurabasimayum Hiranjoy Sharma @ Ngouba and Thokchom James @ Tonao.