Probe in Loitam’s case on track, cops say no lapses
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The police investigating the mysterious death of the 19-year-old Manipuri student Richard Loitam claim that the investigation is on the right track and there were no lapses as alleged by sections of the public. The investigating officers say they are waiting for the chemical analysis report and the histopathological report to ascertain the exact cause of Loitam's death.
Loitam was found dead from a brain haemorrhage in his college hostel on April 18. He was a second semester student of the Acharya NRV School of Architecture in Soladevanahalli. The conflicting versions of his death and the alleged reluctance of the police to arrest those said to be responsible for it created a nationwide uproar. Loitam had sustained an injury in an accident earlier which, according to one version, caused his death later on. He also had an argument with other hostelites, one of whom punched him.
SP, Bengaluru Rural district, Mr Prakash, held a press meet at his office on Monday where he claimed there is no attempt to hush up the case. The Madanayakanahalli police have registered a case of unnatural death under Section 174(C) of the CrPC. “The post- mortem report indicates that Loitam died of brain haemorrhage. But it was not clear if the haemorrhage was caused due to an injury he had sustained in the road accident or due to the alleged punches he received from a hostel-mate a few hours before he died. His viscera have been sent for histopathological examination and for chemical analysis. We are waiting for the reports before jumping to any conclusion," Mr Prakash said.
He said on April 15 night, Loitam and his friend Sputhi Ranjan were out riding the latter's Scooty Pep Plus (KA-04-ES-2602). Near Sapthagiri Hospital Loitam lost control, fell on the road and sustained injuries. He was treated at the hospital and released.
On April 17 night, owner of the Scooty, Vishal Banerjee, had an argument with Loitam in the hostel for damaging the vehicle. Loitam reportedly assaulted Vishal, a native of Jharkhand. Vishal's friend Syed Afzal Ali, an MBA student and native of Chhattisgarh, intervened and allegedly punched Loitam on his left eyebrow.
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