The role of CBI probing the assassination of former MP Wangcha Rajkumar in the frontier state of Arunachal Pradesh is under the scanner following the custodial death of an accused and NSCN (I-M) cadre L.K Kaping, alias Kaping Yankham.
Rajkumar, one of the most-popular leaders of Tirap and Changlang district of the frontier state, was assassinated by suspected Naga rebels at Deomali on December 23, 2007. Following the pressure of legislators, on May 25, 2008. the state government had transferred the case to the CBI for investigation.
Since then, the CBI is probing the case and arrested 11 accused out of 13 suspects involved in the conspiracy. However, custodial death of Kaping, who was arrested by the Assam Rifle from Ukhrul district of Manipur in connection with the case, has raised serious doubt over the functioning of the CBI.
Defense counsel of the victim Jawang Sumpa, who sought the intervention of National Human Rights Commission, pointed out that the probe agency had taken the suspect to Kolkata from Manipur and thereafter he was shifted to Namsai and finally to Tezu Judicial Lock-Up where he was languishing for nearly 13 months.
Defense Counsel alleged that Kaping was seriously ill following the intense custodial interrogation by CBI sleuths in process of recording his confessional statement.
The court had rejected the bail application of Kaping on his poor health condition as the probe agency opposed it.