Magisterial inquiry instituted into court rampaging incident

Mizoram Chief minister Lal Thanhawla today instituted a Magisterial inquiry into the court rampage incident in south Mizoram's Lunglei on September 22.
He, along with state home minster R Lalzirliana, also recommended suspension of Lunglei district deputy commissioner Abhijit Vijay Choudhuri to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
An official statement said the meeting appointed Aizawl District Magistrate Kanan Gopinathan to conduct the Magisterial inquiry into the incident of hooliganism at the district courts, offices and residential quarters by an unruly mob in Lunglei.
Gopinathan was tasked to complete his inquiry within seven working days and submit the report to the government.

It was decided that security arrangements would be reviewed at the Lunglei district courts and it would be strengthened if necessary and personal security officer (PSO) to each of the three judges of Lunglei district would be attached, the release said.
The meeting was attended by state Chief Secretary Lalmalsawma, Director General of Police Thianghlima Pachuau, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Lalram Thanga, Principal Secretary for Home Renu Sharma, Law Secretary Marli Vankung and Additional Secretary for Home Lalbiakzama.

An unruly mob from the Zohnuai locality of Lunglei attacked the district court buildings with stones and bricks and also ransacked the official residence of the Civil Judge on Thursday last.

The crowd had gathered in front of the district court demanding the presence of Stephen Lalchawiliana, who was to be produced before the court for allegedly killing C Lalsawmliana (33) of Zohnuai locality of Lunglei on the night August 27.
The crown turned violent after learning that the accused was already remanded to judicial custody by holding a camp court inside the District Jail.
The incident resulted in Gauhati High Court withdrawing all three judges from Aizawl including the District and Sessions Judge R Thanga.
The High Court also directed the judicial officer of neighbouring Lawngtlai district who used to hold circuit court in Lunglei district, not to continue holding circuit court in Lunglei district until further orders.

Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajit Singh had also sent a letter to Lal Thanhawla condemning the incident.