Argument hearing in Elizabeth murder case to begin

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 29

The argument hearing of the infamous Lungnila Elizabeth murder case will begin from December 15 with the accused examination having completed today.

The accused examination concluded today at the district and sessions judge, Imphal West wherein all the three accused Th. Nando, Lekhosei Haokip alias James Kuki and Rome Meitei, appeared before the judge.

Nando and James Kuki, the two main accused are currently lodged in judicial custody while Rome Meitei is on bail.

The Court is expected to announce the final verdict of the murder case soon after the final argument hearing is completed.

Since the beginning of the trial a total of 65 prosecution witnesses including the father of victim, Francis Ngajokpa, former minister. His statement was examined and recorded by the court during the trail process of the case.

Lungnila Elizabeth was kidnapped from her school (Little Flower School) on November 4, 2003 and found murdered on November 11, 2003 at Sadokpam village.

Earlier in connection with her murder case police have arrested six persons and later during the CBI investigation another four persons including the main accused of the case Th. Nando was also arrested.

Charges were framed against the arrested persons including James Kuki, Rome Meitei, O. Deben and one Arnold by the CBI and Arnold reportedly expired during his judicial custody period during the trial of the case which was started from February 6, 2008.