NIA submits crime scene records
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 05 2024:
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has submitted the seizure memo and audio-video recording of the crime scene which were collected while investigating the aerial bombing using drones by Kuki militants at Koutruk and Kadangband areas on September 1, 2024 today.
The audio-video recording of the crime scene was submitted before the Special Court of NIA Manipur after an application was filed by the NIA under Section 105 of BNSS.
The Special PP of the case submitted that unknown Kuki militants started attacking Koutruk and Kadangband villagers from the nearby hill on the western side using sophisticated weapons like sniper rifles and drones on September 1 at around 2 pm.
It said that militants dropping bombs on civilians from high altitude using drones is a serious threat to the Nation.
Further, it was submitted that a 31 year old lady was killed in the attack while her minor daughter sustained serious injuries.
The security personnel deployed in the area also retaliated, following which there was an exchange of fire between the two sides.
A case was registered at Lamsang police station under different Sections of BNS, Arms Act, Explosive Substance Act and UA(P) Act against the armed Kuki militants for investigation.
The Special PP continued that NIA re-registered the case in compliance with an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairson September 17, following which the case dockets were transferred to the NIA Court along with the material exhibits.
During the investigation it came to light that the attack started at around 2 pm of September 1 and the same continued till late in the night.
The NIA also said that bombs were dropped using drones till 6 pm on the said day.
It further said that Kuki militants came down to Koutruk village after sunset and torched a number of houses at Koutruk Chingthak Leikai along with many trucks and machinery.
The Special PP further stated that all documents as well as exhibits have been handed over to the Chief Investigation Officer of NIA after the NIA took over the case from Manipur police.
A team of NIA along with a mobile forensic team collected several pieces of evidence of the attack after searching the area in a systematic and professional manner.
The evidence which was properly packed and sealed by the scientific assistant of the forensic team has also been handed over to the CIO of the case.
The Court on perusal of the NIA application allowed the NIA prayer The sealed evidence and photos/videos were tallied after the same were opened before the Court.
The evidence has been sealed again and handed over to the NIA while the photos/videos have been kept in the custody of the Court.