Manipur arms-looting case: CBI files chargesheet against five people

On Wednesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet against five individuals in connection with the looting of arms and ammunition from Manipur Police personnel that occurred in May 2023. The accused in the case are Moirangthem Anand Singh, Athokpam Kajit, Loukrakpam Michael Mangangcha (Michael), Konthoujam Romojit Meitei (Romojit), and Keisham Johnson (Jhonson).

The chargesheet was submitted by the CBI before the chief judicial magistrate in Kamrup (Metro), Guwahati, Assam. The CBI took over the case from the Manipur Police, specifically the Heingang police station in Imphal East, on June 9 of the previous year.

The incident under investigation occurred on May 4, 2023, when a mob reportedly raided the Manipur Police Training College’s (MPTC) Pangei complex during an ethnic conflict in the northeastern state. The looters allegedly stole a significant quantity of arms and ammunition from the armoury.

Earlier, in November 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed the bail plea of Moirangthem Anand Singh, citing his association with a proscribed organization. The NIA highlighted that Singh was apprehended with sophisticated arms and ammunition in an area affected by the ongoing strife. The agency argued that releasing the accused on bail could impede the ongoing investigation and pose a threat to the security situation in Manipur.

The NIA asserted that Singh’s communication with associates during the period of ethnic unrest indicated a high probability of absconding or engaging in detrimental activities. The agency stressed the need for judicial custody to prevent potential tampering with evidence and influence on suspects, witnesses, etc.

Following his arrest, Singh was brought to New Delhi and presented before a Delhi Court on September 23, 2023. After a period of custodial remand with the NIA, the court subsequently placed him in judicial custody.