Manipur Violence: CBI Chargesheet Filed in Bishnupur Armoury Loot Case

Background

Last year on May 4th, there were clashes between the Metei community and tribal Kukis in Manipur. During this time, a mob looted weapons and ammunition from the Bishnupur police armoury.

CBI Chargesheet

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against seven people in connection with the loot of arms and ammunition from the Bishnupur police armoury during the ethnic violence in Manipur. The chargesheet was filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Guwahati.

Incident Details

On August 3rd last year, more than 300 weapons, 19,800 rounds of ammunition, and other items were stolen from the Battalion Headquarters in Bishnupur. The CBI took over the case after a notification from the state and the Centre.

Accused

The seven accused named in the chargesheet are Laishram Prem Singh, Khumukcham Dhiren, Moirangthem Anand Singh, Athokpam Kajit, Loukrakpam Michael Mangangcha, Konthoujam Romojit Meitei, and Keisham Johnson. The investigation is ongoing to identify other suspects involved in the crime.

Previous Incidents

Five of the accused were previously charged by the CBI for looting the police armoury at the Manipur Police Training Centre. Moirangthem Anand Singh is said to be a former member of a banned group, while the others are believed to be associated with terror outfits.

Arrests and Investigations

The accused were arrested by the Manipur police for extortion and carrying weapons. Singh was later taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency for alleged connections with rebel groups in Myanmar. While Singh is in jail, the status of the other six accused is unknown.