Militants shoot and wound alleged rapist

Militants in Manipur, as part of their declaration to punish sex offenders, have struck again - grievously wounding a man accused of raping a girl in 2013.

Three suspected militants armed with hand guns shot and wounded S. Bhogen of Lamsang on Tuesday afternoon in Imphal. He was rushed to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal.

Hospital sources said that Bhogen sustained bullet injuries in the left hand and belly and is in a "critical condition". He was accused of raping a girl in 2013 and has been appearing in the court in this connection.

Police said that three suspected militants intercepted Bhogen at Takyel under Lamphel police station in Imphal west district and opened fire while he was returning home from the court.

Police sources fear that militants might have tried to bump him off for the alleged rape.

On July 28, the United National Liberation Front had shot and killed one alleged rapist in Imphal. During a press conference the accused had confessed to his crime.

The United National Liberation Front announced recently that it would start punishing sex offenders.

--IANS

il/rn