Constable Herojit Admits to Manipur Fake Encounter, Senior Refutes

Herojit recounts his experience of killing Sanjit to a few reporters in an undisclosed location.

The policeman who was responsible for the sensational daylight killing of Chungkham Sanjit Singh on 23 July 2009 has confessed to his crime.

According to a report by Imphal Free Press, 33-year-old Head Constable Thounaojam Herojit Singh, son of Th Shyamsunder Singh of Lamdeng Awang Leikai revealed to the media for the first time, his part in the staged encounter to kill Sanjit.

But now, Imphal SP Akhoijam Jhalajit Singh has come out in denial of these allegations levelled against him. In a statement, Jhalajit Singh called the allegations levelled by Herojit Singh as concocted, baseless and motivated. He added,

It may be mentioned that the case was investigated thoroughly by the premier investigating agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and trial of the case is now going on in the Honourable Court of the Sessions Judge, Imphal West. Thus, the matter being subjudice, I will not make any further statements.

Feeling that he was being made the scapegoat by his organisation, and being asked to bear the responsibility of Sanjit’s death, Herojit declared he was only following orders of a superior officer.

In his account made before a group of press persons at an undisclosed location, Herojit declared that the order to kill Sanjit was given to him by Akoijam Jhalajit Singh, the then Additional SP of Imphal West and presently the SP of Imphal West.

Recounting before video cameras, Herojit said that during lunch, he got a message over the police wireless set that there had been an encounter near Bir Tikendrajit Park. As he approached the area, he was told by some policemen that a man had fired on them when asked to stop for verification and had run away.

Some moments later, he learned that a pistol was recovered from the entrance of Gambhir Singh arcade.

I saw some four persons being escorted from one of the buildings nearby by our boys at that moment. His colleague, Toyaima identified Sanjit as the one who fired at him.

Thounaojam Herojit Singh, Head Constable, to the press

Herojit seized a mobile phone from Sanjit. While in custody the mobile phone rang. Upon picking up the call the voice on the other end said that they were aware of the arrest and pleaded to the officer to spare the life of the captive for any amount of money he wanted. Herojit told the man on the other end that he was not that type of policeman, and ended the call. Since the conversation happened in front of Sanjit, the officer told Sanjit that he could not deny that he was involved and ordered him to start cooperating.

Then Sir Jhalajit commended me that it was good work and said, Touthok-khro! (dispatch him).

Thounaojam Herojit Singh

When the additional SP Akoijam Jhalajit Singh arrived he commended Herojit for the good work and asked to dispatch him, assuring him that even the CM and the DGP were informed about it.

While the ASP took care of the reporters Herojit shot Sanjit in the pharmacy about six times. He died at the spot. He then came out and saw the recovery van pulling up at the entrance.

Only then I saw a corpse of a woman, and later learnt it was that of Rabina.

Thounaojam Herojit Singh

I had checked the weapon which was recovered from Gambhir Singh entrance, it was a Mauser and a bullet was stuck in the chamber,” he told media persons today. The other weapon supposedly found with the Sanjit was planted, he said.