'NIA probing Moreh SDPO killing case'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 05 2024:
Chief minister N Biren has informed that nine persons including a Myanmarese national have been arrested in connection with the assassination of Moreh SDPO Ch Anand Kumar while the case had already been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
On the last day of the 5th Session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Congress MLA K Meghachandra moved a Calling Attention motion and drew attention of the House on what action the government had taken in connection with the killing of SDPO Anand Kumar.
In his reply, chief minister N Biren, also in charge of home, informed that the Centre provided helicopter capable of operating after dusk and promptly launched search operation leading to arrest of nine persons, including a Myanmarese suspected to be involved in the killing of the SDPO.
Some of them contended to be functionaries of a political party but none were spared as appropriate actions were taken, Biren said.
According to the CM, types of ammunition and weapons used in killing SDPO Anand cannot be concealed.
In view of complexity of the case and considering public sentiment following the arrest of one accused of Myanmar origin, government felt the necessity to hand over the case to the NIA and accordingly entrusted the case to NIA on January 31, Biren said adding the NIA had already registered a case and started investigation.
While terming the killing of the SDPO as a regretful one, the chief minister also informed the House that one policeman was killed and seven others injured when state forces launched operation to nab culprits involved in killing Anand Kumar.
To fight challenges posed to state forces, government initiated steps to procure 10 bullet proof armoured vehicles.
So far, seven of the vehicles have reached Imphal with the remaining scheduled to arrive soon, Biren said adding that state government is also planning to procure 20 bullet proof vehicles to boost morale of state forces.
The chief minister also clarified that late SDPO Anand Kumar's son was given ASI post based on his qualification and government is considering to give him the rank similar to his father on attainment of requisite qualification.
Regarding identities of some of the arrested suspects with reports of link with political parties, Biren said identities of the suspects will open and reach public domain during the course of NIA investigation.
Earlier, raising the motion, Meghachandra said the premeditated killing of SDPO Anand broke the heart of the people along with noted that as encouragement and boost morale of state force Anand Kumar's son recruited as ASI.
He, however, queried the reason not to confer the same rank and file held by Anand Kumar to his son.
K Meghachandra also drew attention of the House and CM Biren on the present status of the case registered against murder suspects Phillip Khongsai, who is said to be ex-serviceman, and Hemkholal Mate, who is said to be functionary of BJP Tengnoupal Mandal.
He also sought clarification from the chief minister if Phillip Khongsai and Hemkholal Mate are militants or civilians.