Accused found positive for COVID-19 at court

Imphal: One female accused was found to be positive for COVID-19 after she was produced before special court (NDPS) on Thursday.

The registrar general of High Court of Manipur has asked the state health director to conduct COVID-19 testing of the judge and staff of the court and disinfection of the court complex.

The accused along with one co-accused who were arrested in connection with FIR number 12(7)2020 NAB PS U/S 21(c) /60(3)ND& PS Act were produced at High Court of Manipur on Thursday. Just after the two accused were remanded into judicial custody the judge was informed on phone that one of the accused was tested positive for COVID-19.

From the official record it was found that the accused persons were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East on July 24. It was found out that the accused persons sat together in the dock for about 20 minutes. Later the judge was informed that the female accused was produced for testing before CMO, Imphal East and the result came positive. The co-accused was handed over to Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa.

During the court session the judge, a driver and 4 staff of the court and one staff from special court (NDPS) (FTC) Manipur and 1-2 lawyers were present. Judge of special court (NDPS) asked the state health director to conduct COVID-19 test for those staffs present in the said session and also to disinfect the said court room and its surrounding.