Man shot dead, wife stabbed, critically hurt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 20 2026: Some unidentified persons attacked a couple and shot dead the husband while the woman survived with knife injuries in the wee hours today when most people of the neighbourhood were watching the final match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 .

The deadly attack took place at Keirao Wangkhem Mamang Leikai, Imphal East district under Irilbung police station at around 2.30 am .

The deceased victim has been identified as Ngangkham Thambou (55) s/o late Iboton.

His wife, Ngangkham (ongbi) Keinatombi (52) survived the attack with critical injuries caused by stabbing.

It is said that Thambou was a casual worker, often working as construction worker or mason.

According to information culled from the spot, there was continuous rainfall when some unidentified persons broke open the front door of Thambou's house at around 2.30 am.

The assailants first entered the room of Thambou's daughter and threatened the girl by pointing a gun at her.

At this, the girl shouted for help.

On hearing the shouting, both Thambou and Keinatombi rushed to the room.

The assailants shot at Thambou and stabbed Keinatombi before fleeing from the scene.

Taking advantage of the incessant rainfall and the people's engrossment in the World Cup final match, the assailants managed to flee from the crime scene.

As of now, identities of the assailants and the reason for attacking the couple could not be ascertained.

Hit by a bullet on the head, Thambou died on the spot.

Keinatombi, who sustained multiple injuries on the head, neck and different parts of the body apparently caused by a knife or a sharp object, was rushed to Shija Hospital.

Later, Keinatombi was taken to RIMS where she is currently undergoing treatment.

On the other hand, the body of Thambou has been deposited at JNIMS mortuary after a team of Forensic Science Laboratory carried out an inquest of the dead body and the surrounding area.

Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered at Irilbung police station in connection with the deadly attack.

Police recovered an empty case of a bullet from the crime scene.

On the other hand, a public meeting was held at Wangkhem today and a committee named JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Ngangkham Thambou was constituted.

The meeting also decided to ask the Government to identify and arrest the killers by July 22 .

The meeting further decided not to claim the dead body of Thambou but launch a series of strong protests until the killers are arrested.

Sources said that the unknown assailants first cut off the power supply connected to the local transformer before attacking the couple.

Incidentally, one Laishram (ongbi) Ibetombi (50) was killed at Singjamei Wangma Bheigyabati Leikai on December 18, 2022 as one reckless person opened fire in celebration of Argentina's victory over France in the last edition of FIFA World Cup.

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