NIA Arrests Key Accused in Killing of SDPO Anandakumar Singh
New Delhi/Imphal: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a prime accused in the 2023 killing of a police officer during the peak of ethnic violence in Manipur.
Arrest Details
- The accused, Otkhothang Baite (also known as Othang Baite), is a resident of Moreh in Tengnoupal district
- He was identified as a key conspirator in the attack on a district police team
- The arrest was made as part of an ongoing NIA investigation into the case
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Background of the Incident
- The attack took place on October 31, 2023
- Suspected Kuki militants opened fire on a police team at a playground in Moreh
- Chingtham Anandakumar Singh, then Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), was critically injured by a gunshot
- He later succumbed to his injuries
The incident occurred during one of the most volatile phases of the ethnic conflict in the state.
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Investigation Progress
- The case was initially registered by local police in Moreh
- It was later taken over by the NIA in March 2024
- Investigators found that the attack was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at spreading terror and destabilising the region
Earlier this month, the NIA had also arrested another आरोपी:
- Kamginthang Gangte
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Current Status
- The case is being probed under RC-02/2024/NIA/IMP
- Further investigation is ongoing to uncover:
- The full network behind the attack
- Possible links to militant groups and cross-border elements
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Significance
This arrest marks a major breakthrough in one of the high-profile cases linked to the Manipur violence, which has seen targeted attacks on security personnel and civilians.
Authorities say efforts will continue to ensure accountability, justice, and deterrence against such acts of violence in the region.
