Over 40 bombs dropped using drones
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 22 2025: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), in its submission before the Special Court NIA Manipur, has revealed that ov�r 40 bombs were dropped on Koutruk and Kadangband villages on September 1, 2024, by unidentified Kuki militants using drones.

According to eyewitness accounts, the aerial assault caused significant damage to lives and properties.

The attack, which began around 2:06 pm, involved militants using sniper guns and drones to drop bombs from the western hill range.

The violence left villagers scrambling for safety as security forces retaliated.

The encounter reportedly lasted until late night, raising fears of more civilian and security casualties.

Tragically, the attack claimed the life of 31-year-old Ngangbam Surbala Devi of Phayeng Umang Leikai, who succumbed to her injuries at RIMS Hospital, Imphal, around 3:14 pm .

Her nine-year-old daughter, Rogiya Ngangbam, sustained a bullet injury on her right elbow and received treatment at Raj Medicity, North AOC.

The NIA, which took over the investigation following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 17, 2024, re-registered the case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P)A).

The case, initially registered under FIR No 30(9)2024 at Lamshang police station,' was formally transferred to the NIA by court order on September 19, 2024 .

Subsequent investigations revealed that drones were actively used to drop bombs from 2:30 pm until 6 pm, while armed militants descended into Koutruk village after sunset between 6 pm and 8 pm.

The militants set fire to several properties, including trucks, electrical water pumps, motorcycles, a car, Activa scooters, and two bikes at Koutruk Chingthak Leikai.

The NIA's inquiry has identified Khaigoulen Kipgen, also known as David, a resident of Gamngai village in Motbung, Kangpokpi district, as a possible key figure in procuring drones and accessories used in the attack.

The investigation further pointed to suppliers Mayank Sharma from New Delhi and Vikram Chaudhary from Rohtak, Haryana, who sold the drones and accessories for cash or online payments.

Another individual, Laikang-bam Albert Singh of Nagampal Kangjabi Leirak, was also found to have purchased drones from the same suppliers through online transactions.

A crime scene inspection was conducted on September 2, 2024, at the deceased person's parental home in Koutruk Mathak Leikai.

The investigation team, including forensic experts and the SDPO of Lamphel, documented the scene through video and photographs, while relevant materials were collected for submission to the Special Court.

The special public prosecutor (PP) of the NIA submitted a production-cum-seizure memo, including audio-visual recordings, as mandated under BNSS.

After reviewing the documents and hearing the submissions, the Special Court allowed the NIA's prayer, permitting the submission of the seizure memo and related recordings as part of the investigation process.

The NIA continues its investigation, analysing bank statements and related documents to trace the financial transactions linked to the procurement of the drones used in the attack.

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