2012 bomb blast at former Assembly Speaker’s house. Documents, arms discovered during the extortion case
A 49-year-old former PREPAK insurgent, Nameirakpam Dhamen Singh alias Meitei, was re-arrested in Imphal today, July 5, 2025, for his alleged role in a 2012 bomb attack at the home of former Manipur Assembly Speaker Irengbam Hemochandra. Initially arrested on June 18 for extortion, Singh was re-arrested inside the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court after fresh evidence linked him to the blast that killed one person and injured five. The court has remanded him for police custody until July 8 for further interrogation
1. Introduction: Unveiling a Decade-Old Bomb Case
It’s not every day that a crime from over a decade ago resurfaces with dramatic twists and turns, but that’s precisely what unfolded on July 5, 2025. Nameirakpam Dhamen Singh—known in certain circles as Meitei—was apprehended again, but this time within courthouse walls, for a nearly 13-year-old bomb attack that shook Manipur. Let’s peel back the layers of this gripping story, explore the implications, and ask: why now, and what does this tell us about security, insurgency, and justice?
2. The Man Behind the Mask: Who is Nameirakpam Dhamen Singh?
- Identity and Background
Born in Bashikhong Khudekpi Mamang Leikai (Imphal East district), 49-year-old Singh has apparently lived a life deeply entwined with local insurgency and illegal activities. - PREPAK Connections
Singh is described as a “self-styled captain” of PREPAK—the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak—a militant outfit advocating for an independent Manipur, banned by the Indian government. - Recent Arrest for Extortion
On June 18, Singh was nabbed by police at Kwakta Terakhongshangbi Bazar in Bishnupur district. Cops found weapons, ammunition, and incriminating documents—pointing to extortion activities targeting individuals, businesses, and government offices.
3. The Forgotten Blast: What Happened in 2012?
3.1. Incident Breakdown
- Date & Time: January 22, 2012, approx. 6:30 PM
- Location: Gate of former Speaker Irengbam Hemochandra’s residence, Chingamakha Kshetri Leikai, Imphal West
- Casualties: 1 person killed, 5 injured
- Immediate Action: Singjamei Police registered a suo moto case and began investigation
3.2. Impact on the Community
Imagine a residential street disrupted by a bomb blast. A death, panic, questioning of safety in Imphal West—all shaping long-standing anxieties about insurgency.
4. From Extortion to Re-Arrest: A Change of Tides
4.1. The Extortion Case Leads to the Blast
Charged with extortion, Singh appeared before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Imphal West. Prosecutors used this appearance to request a formal re-arrest under the bomb blast case, citing newly uncovered leads during the extortion investigation.
4.2. Re-Arrest in Court
Top-tier security within court premises? Check. Shocked defendant? Definitely. Singh was officially re-arrested by Singjamei Police shortly after entering CJM court, setting the stage for a tense remand hearing.
5. Legal Progress: What Happens Next?
5.1. Police Custody Until July 8
The CJM granted remand until July 8, 2025—plenty of time for investigators to dig deeper. The courtroom dramatics are done; it’s time for a forensics-heavy interrogation.
5.2. What This Means for the Case
Re-arresting suspects under old cases isn’t just about retribution; it’s about reopening cold cases, holding perpetrators accountable, and sending a clear message: time won’t protect the guilty.
6. PREPAK: A Deeper Dive
6.1. Group Origins and Ideology
Founded in 1977 by R.K. Tulachandra, PREPAK pushes a separatist ideology based on Maoist thought and aims for Manipur’s independence. At its peak, the group had several hundred fighters, with strongholds in the Imphal valley and even camps across Myanmar’s border.
6.2. PREPAK’s Methods and Infamy
Historically, the insurgent group engaged in armed ambushes, bombings, extortion, and alliances with other extremist outfits like NSCN-K and ULFA. Singh isn’t a lone wolf; he’s part of a broader symphony of violence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is Nameirakpam Dhamen Singh?
A: A 49-year-old alleged PREPAK captain arrested in 2012 bomb case and ongoing extortion probe
Q2: What happened in the 2012 bomb blast?
A: An explosive went off at 6:30 PM on January 22, 2012, outside former Speaker Hemochandra’s residence—killing one and injuring five
Q3: Why was Singh re-arrested now?
A: His June arrest for extortion uncovered new leads linking him to the bombing, prompting a court-sanctioned re-arrest
Q4: How long will Singh remain in custody?
A: As of July 5, 2025, he’s been remanded till July 8 for continued interrogation
Q5: What implications does this have for PREPAK?
A: It sends a firm message: no crime is too old to be pursued, weakening insurgent confidence and potentially revealing wider conspiracies.
