Proper probe needed in encounter killings in Manipur, says SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday said a proper probe is needed into various encounter killings in Manipur and suggested formation of a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to probe into some of those cases, a proposition opposed by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Centre.

Observing that the situation in the state is not normal, a bench of Justice Aftab Alam and Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai said further investigation needs to done as in some cases judicial enquiry came to conclusion that people were killed in fake encounters.

"Why there should not be a proper investigation? There is more than what meets the eye. So many encounters took place. Situation is not normal. We are concerned about the failure of constitutional scheme," the bench said.

The Supreme Court suggested the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe into some of the cases.

One of the petitioners contended that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) can be directed to inquire into those cases but the bench said it might not be a practical solution as agency would take years to complete the probe.

"What would CBI do? It would take years and years to complete the probe," the bench observed. The proposition of setting up SIT was opposed by the Centre and the NHRC. The Commission said it would not be possible for SIT to probe such a large number of cases.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition by an association of the families of the alleged victims, pleading with the apex court to set up a special investigation team and direct inquiry into around 1500 such cases.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)