Fifteen pulled up for arson, assault
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 27 2021: At least 15 persons have been apprehended for assaulting a woman and setting ablaze a house.

The incident happened at around 2.30 pm today at Naorem Leikai Amujao (Sofa) Leirak, Imphal West district under the jurisdiction of Singjamei police station.

According to a police source, one Longjam Jibanlata (59) of Kakwa Huidrom Leikai was held hostage by a group of people belonging to neighbouring Naorem Leikai Amujao and also set ablaze her house.

Nonetheless, Imphal West District Police not only rescued Jibanlata from the mob but also called firefighters of Manipur Fire Service in time which managed to douse off the raging fire.

Around 15 persons including five women were taken to Singjamei police station for questioning in connection with the incident, informed the source.

Fifteen pulled up for arson, assault

According to information culled from the spot, one Naorem Gitabali of Naorem Leikai Amujao Leirak owes around Rs 8 lakh to Longjam Jibanlata.

Jibanlata reportedly went to Gitabali's residence as the latter called her with an assurance that she (Gitabali) would pay her debt.

However, when Jibanlata reached Gitabali's residence, an uproar erupted and she was held hostage by a mob.

Moreover, her house was also set ablaze.

Notably, Gitabali's house and Jibanlata's house are separated by one lane (Amujao Leirak) only.

On receiving information of these developments, Imphal West District Police rushed to the spot.

The police team not only rescued Jibanlata but also promptly called fire tenders of Manipur Fire Service which doused off the raging fire.

There was a brief scuffle between police and the mob as the latter refused to hand over Jibanlata.

Later, police drove away the mob by firing tear gas shells and mock bombs and rescued Jibanlata.

The next moment, a large number of people were seen gathering in the area.

Subsequently, a strong police team led by SP K Meghachandra pulled up 15 individuals one by one.

The police team also seized two long horn loudspeakers purportedly used in mobilising people.

In addition to the arrival of an Executive Magistrate, a commando unit of Thoubal District Police too reached the spot to assist Imphal West District Police in taking up necessary security measures.

Notably, 18-year old RK Khesper s/o late Dhanasana of Naorem Leikai Amujao Leirak was killed in firing when a violent confrontation broke out between the neighbouring Longjam family and Naorem family on February 27 night.

Subsequent upon the killing, houses of Longjam Achou and Longjam Pito were set ablaze forcing their families to flee.

Achou and Pito are elder brothers of Longjam Jibanlata.

Achou, Pito and their sons are currently lodged in judicial custody in connection with the firing incident which killed the 18-year old boy.