NIA given nod to record witnesses' statements
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20 2024: The Special Judge, NIA Manipur today gave consent to an application filed by National Investigation Agency (NIA) for recording statements of three witnesses under 164 CrPC in connection with the brutal killing of four persons by suspected Kuki militants near a water treatment plant at Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou on January 18, 2024 at around 3.50 pm.

The application was filed by the Chief Investigation Officer of the NIA.

The Special PP, NIA submitted that in compliance with an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on February 2, 2024, NIA Imphal re-registered a case arising out of an FIR registered at Bishnupur police station under different sections of IPC and Arms Act in connection with the brutal killing of four persons by suspected Kuki militants near a water treatment plant at Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou on January 18, 2024 at around 3.50 pm.

NIA given nod to record witnesses' statements

During the investigation of the case, an application for production warrant was filed against accused Lunminsei Kipgen alias Langinmang alias Mang alias Levis (35) s/o Songin of Mamong village, Henglep block, Churachandpur and the Court issued production warrant to the OC, Central Jail Lokhra, Guwahati.

Subsequently, the accused was produced before the Court through video conferencing on June 7, 2024 .

Further the accused was remanded to police custody for five days and he was kept at NIA Branch Office, Guwahati to examine the incriminating viral video clips of the alleged accused committing the crime and to unearth the identity of other accomplices, modus operandi, conspiracy behind the crime, recover the weapons used in committing the crime and for thorough investigation of the case.

The Court, after hearing the submission of the Special PP, NIA and on perusal of the application, observed that three witnesses, all residents of Bishnupur district, are willing to give statements, and directed the IO of the case to move necessary application before the JMFC Bishnupur.

On January 18, 2024, Kuki militants armed with sophisticated weapons came down from Lamlai Kabui village and reached a water supply plant located in the middle of paddy fields at Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou after travelling around 2 Kms and killed four civilians including a father and his son who were keeping watch over the water treatment plant.

The deceased were identified as Oinam Bamonjao, his son Oinam Manitomba, Thiyam Somendro and Ningthoujam Nabadeep, all from Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou.

The killings had kicked up a furore.