By David Laitphlang
The investigating team tasked with gathering crucial evidence on the August 13 police action resulting in the death of ex-HNLC leader, Cherishterfield Thangkhiew is steadily proceeding ahead with its job even as the judicial inquiry process is also believed to have commenced.
A crack team of Meghalaya police led by appropriately ranked officers seized the weapon used for the gunning down of the former rebel in his house from a non-gazetted officer of the law.
According to sources, the firing was the result of him being challenged by (L) Thangkhiew, even as the remaining personnel remained outside during the raid.
Police however have refused to confirm, deny or comment on the matter, especially since it is already under judicial scrutiny, but sources inform that a thorough evidence gathering exercise is being executed by East Khasi Hills police with participation of other districts as well.
Meanwhile, the enquiry into the incident is underway and is likely to finish within the stipulated time. Sources in the secretariat aware of the goings on, expressed optimism that the process will complete well within three months from the date of notification.
“Those tasked with the job of gathering evidence etc. are doing their job diligently and everything will be furnished before the Commission,” the source said while underscoring, “Very soon the truth will be unfolded. To be acceptable to any court, investigation must be carried out in a structured way that abides by all legal rules and the appropriate processes of evidence collection.”
The judicial commission was promptly constituted by a beleaguered state government following public uproar over the controversial killing, leading to a clampdown of curfew and data services in Shillong agglomeration. The commission has been asked to ascertain beyond doubt the circumstances leading to the former rebel leader’s death and other terms of references.
Notified on August 20, the government appointed a one-man Commission of Inquiry consisting of Justice (Rtd) T. Vaiphei, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Tripura and Chairperson, Meghalaya Human Rights Commission to inquire into the incident.
The terms of reference are simple but specific; to hold an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the police action resulting in the death of the rebel leader and to submit a “fact finding report as to the culpability or otherwise of the police action resulting in the death” of (L) Thangkhiew. The Commission has been given a free hand however to dwell into “any other circumstances which are relevant, in the opinion of the Commission”.
The Commission has been asked to submit its report embodying the findings and its recommendations thereon to the State Government within a period of three months from the date of the notification.
