Manipur Cop Thounaojam Brinda Returns Gallantry Award After Court Acquits Accused In Drug Bust

Manipur-based police officer Thounaojam Brinda has returned her Gallantry medal for continued efforts against smuggling and sale of drugs in the state on Friday. She returned the medal after a special court in Imphal acquitted Lhukosei Zou, former chairman of Autonomous District Council, among seven people who were arrested in a 2018 drugs haul case. The court on Thursday stated that the prosecution has "totally failed to prove the charges levelled against them."

Brinda, who is an additional superintendent of Manipur police, was the force behind Zou's arrest, who was allegedly involved in drug smuggling. Earlier this year, she also accused Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh of allegedly thwarting the investigation against Zou, a former BJP leader.

Also Read: Who is Lipi Singh? The IPS Officer Being Compared To"General Dyer" After Munger Shooting

In 2018, Brinda received the Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry for her effortless contribution in curbing smuggling activities in the state. On Friday, she decided to return her medal saying "it may be given to a more deserving and loyal police officer.” The recognition was part of the chief minister’s "War against Drugs" initiative, The Print reported.

“In recognition for this case as part of the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s ‘War against Drugs,’ I was conferred the Chief Minister’s Police Medal for Gallantry on the occasion of Patriots’ Day,13th August,2018,” wrote Brinda in a letter addressed to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. She had earlier alleged that the chief minister was “piling pressure” on her to release Zou.

“.. . I feel morally inclined that I have not conducted my duty as ‘per the wishes’ of the Criminal Justice Delivery System of the land. Hence, for the reasons cited above, I do not consider myself deserving of the honour bestowed upon me by your good self. I, therefore, return the same to the state Home Department so that it may be given to a more deserving and loyal police officer,” she added.

Also Read: Who is Licypriya Kangujam? 9-year-old Activist Who Urged The Govt To Declare Health Emergency In Delhi

After her allegations towards the CM, Brinda faced contempt charges over her Facebook post in which she had questioned a special court’s decision to grant bail to the BJP functionary.

In July this year, Brinda had made news again when detained for allegedly violating lockdown norms at Sangaiprou Lamkhai, Imphal Free Press reported.

Feature Image Credit: Thounaojam Brinda/Facebook

Read More Stories By Ria Das