Th Brinda returns Chief Minister’s Gallantry Medal following acquittal of Lhukhosei Zou

IMPHAL: Thounaojam Brinda, an Additional Superintendent of Manipur Police, who was awarded the Gallantry Medal in recognition for her service as part of the Chief Minister’s ‘War against Drugs’, has returned the Chief Minister’s Gallantry Medal following the decision of the ND&PS Court to acquit former BJP leader Lhukhosei Zou and six others in the multi-crore drug haul case.

Brinda, expressing her dissatisfaction with the way the case has been handled, wrote in her letter, "I was conferred the Chief Minister's Police Medal for Gallantry on the occasion of Patriots' Day. 13' August, 2018. However, the investigation and prosecution have been deemed unsatisfactory by the ND&PS Court. I feel morally inclined that I have not conducted my duty as 'per the wishes' of the Criminal Justice Delivery System of the land. Hence, for the reason cited above, I do not consider myself deserving of the honour bestowed upon me by your good self. I, therefore, return the same to the state Home Department so that it may be given to a more deserving and loyal police officer."

ALSO READ: Assam: 19-year old from Barpeta raped and murdered in Bengaluru, MP demands action against culprit

In its verdict, the special court (ND&PS) Manipur acquitted former chairman of Autonomous District Council (ADC) Chandel district Lhukhosei Zou, who was also a member of the ruling BJP.

Zou, the then chairman of the ADC, Chandel was arrested by a team of the Narcotics and Affairs of Border on June 20, 2018, from his official quarters at Lamphel with 4.6 kilograms of heroin powder and 2,80,200 tablets of “World is Yours” estimated to be worth around Rs 28 crore in the international market.

The BJP leader was among the four held in the case and was acquitted by a verdict of the judge W Tonen Meitei of the special court pronounced today.

The court convicted two persons; Thangminlun Zou and Tung Khan Mung Zou - under the NDPS Act, 1985 for which the sentence hearing is slated for December 21.

The court acquitted Zou and the four others after the prosecution failed to prove the charges levelled against them.

Several sections of society have criticised the judgment of the special court (ND&PS) Manipur.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:                                                                  

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast