Meetei wife of ex-MLA Yamthong dies in blast
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 11 2024: Saikul Assembly Constituency former MLA Yamthong Haokip's wife Sapam Charubala Haokip was killed in a bomb explosion at their residence in Kangpokpi district on Saturday afternoon.

According to a police report, Charubala (59), who belonged to Meetei community, was burning waste at their Ikou Mullam house under Saikul police station around 3pm Saturday when the explosion occurred.

The explosive was reportedly concealed among the waste and exploded when the victim set fire to the same.

Ex-MLA Yamthong and their children did not suffer any injuries.

On receiving news of the explosion, teams of Saikul PS and other security forces nearby rushed to the location and inspected the scene.

Saikul PS has registered a case in this regard and investigation is underway.

Charubala was rushed to Saikul Community Health Centre but succumbed to injuries around 7 am Sunday.

Her funeral was conducted later in the day.

Meanwhile, ex-MLA Yamthong filed a written complaint to Saikul PS, requesting for an investigation to identify the explosive used.

Mention may be made here that Yamthong Haokip was elected from Saikul AC in the 2012 and 2017 assembly elections on Congress tickets before joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2022 .

At the time of the explosion, suspected to an IED, Yamthong Haokip and his daughter were also present in the house but escaped unhurt.

Sapam Charubala Haokip was originally from Khurai in Imphal East.

While no other casualties were reported, the incident has sent shockwaves through the region.

Indian Express quoted police officials as saying that the attack may be linked to a family dispute.

Although initially suspected to be an attack by militants, authorities believe Charubala accidentally triggered the explosion while burning waste materials.

A source stated, 'It was likely to be a locally made IED that was placed among waste material.

She burnt the waste material, it exploded.

"The family and local community were shocked by the tragic incident that claimed Charubala's life.

Police have initiated an investigation and are currently examining the scene.

No arrests have been made so far.

Authorities are continuing their efforts to gather more information about the explosive device.

(With inputs from agencies) .

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