This briefing paper examines the state of torture and impunity provided by the State of Manipur. On 18 December 2018, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) wrote a letter to the Chief Secretary of Manipur stating that despite repeated requests, sanction of prosecution in seven cases of extrajudicial executions by the security forces had not been received from the State government. These said cases were referred by the Supreme Court for investigation vide orders dated 14.07.2017 and 16.01.2018 in WP(Crl.) No. 129/2012. The CBI stated that after investigation of these seven cases, chargesheets have been filed in the concerned trial Courts. However, the State of Manipur failed to provide sanction for prosecution. Earlier, on 22 February 2019, the case of custodial death of Athokpam Angousana Meitei was disposed off by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Thoubal on the ground that the State government did not give “prior sanction” to prosecute the accused police constable of Manipur Police required under Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Torture and custodial deaths continue to be reported. On 1 September 2019, Ginlam Munluo aka Ginzalam (40 years) reportedly committed suicide unable to bear alleged torture meted out to him at Singngat Police Station in Churachandpur district of Manipur. The deceased, a resident of Singngat sub-division in Churachandpur district of Manipur, was arrested by the police on the charges of dealing in illegal drugs. After arrest, the police detained the deceased at Singngat Police Station where he was allegedly subjected to torture by the five police personnel identified as Sub Inspector T Lalbiakmuan, Assistant Sub Inspector H Muanthianlal, Constables T Doulalven, S James Ngaihte and Pauchinmuan Ginlam Munluo in the custody. On 31 August 2019 the deceased was released and allegedly committed suicide the next day.
