suspended

Four police personnel of Manipur Police including an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) have been suspended from their services in connection with the escape of Thokchom Nando Singh alias Nanao, the self-styled commander of proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP)-Nando faction.

Also read: Manipur rebel outfit chief accused of murder escapes from hospital

The chief of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Mangal/ Nando faction ) Thokchom Nando on Tuesday escaped from a hospital security ward where he was undergoing treatment.

The 34-year-old man was found missing from the male ortho ward of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS).

The suspended ASI is Lienlalzom Singson while the police constables are M Washington Seiyao, Thangsha Mekham Maring and Kh Naobi Singh, an official source said.

They have been placed under suspension from their services by an order of Imphal East SP Jogeshchandra Haobijam issued late Tuesday.

Earlier, a case was registered by the Porompat police station and an investigation initiated to ascertain lapses on part of the security personnel.

Nando had been arrested for many criminal cases including the high profile abduction and murder of eight-year-old Lungnila Elizabeth, daughter of former minister Francis Ngajokpa.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police have launched a massive manhunt to nab the escaped militant leader.

Nando had been admitted to JNIMS last year after complaining of a backache and even underwent a surgery.

He was being constantly guarded at JNIMS by three cops from the Imphal East Reserve police force and four jail security personnel.