NIA Takes Over Investigation of Arms Looting from 5th IRB Camp in Manipur
Summary of the News
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the probe into the looting of arms and ammunition from the 5th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) camp at Chingarel Tezpur, Imphal East, which occurred on the night of February 13, 2024. A mob stormed the camp, leading to a shootout with security forces. Six suspects have been arrested, seven IRB personnel suspended, and stolen items—INSAS rifles, an AK Ghatak-2, SLR magazines, and 9 mm ammunition—have been recovered. Initially registered under the IPC at the Lamlai police station, the case has now been re-registered by the NIA under directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
1. What Happened on February 13, 2024
Picture this: it was a tense, moonlit night in Imphal East. A mob—mostly composed of local youths—stormed the 5th IRB camp in Chingarel Tezpur under Lamlai PS territory. This wasn’t some sneaky theft; images show youths raiding a heavily guarded battalion camp. As they looted, security staff attempted to stop them, but chaos erupted and a firefight broke out. Several weapons went missing.
2. Initial Response & Magisterial Probe
In the immediate aftermath, the Manipur government didn’t waste time. By February 19, 2024, a magisterial inquiry was launched, led by Imphal East’s District Magistrate, Khumanthem Diana. The order demanded a report within 30 days, aiming to unravel how such a massive breach could happen. Simultaneously, six suspects were arrested, and seven IRB personnel were suspended for negligence.
3. Why the NIA Stepped In
Fast forward to July 2025: the Union Home Ministry directed the NIA to take charge of the investigation. The case was formally re-registered under NIA jurisdiction. This isn’t routine—it reflects potential complexities like cross-border security concerns, organized networks, or links to extremist activity. The NIA has petitioned the court to hand over all evidence and investigation material from Lamlai PS.
4. Weapons & Ammunition Recovered
During the Manipur Police’s follow-up probe, a significant cache was recovered:
- 4 INSAS rifles
- 1 AK Ghatak-2
- SLR magazines
- 16 boxes of 9 mm ammunition
All trace back to the IRB camp. Though not all weapons have been fully accounted for, these recoveries mark significant progress.
5. Arrests & Suspensions
Let’s break it down:
- Arrests: Six individuals implicated in the looting have been arrested and are in judicial custody.
- Suspensions: Seven personnel on duty at the camp were suspended for dereliction and grave negligence. That’s a major shake-up within IRB ranks.
Conclusion
This isn’t just a raid — it’s a serious blow to regional security. With the NIA at the helm, expect a more meticulous investigation geared toward uncovering networks and accountable personnel. As the process unfolds, it’s a test of the state’s ability to reclaim control and restore public trust.
Q1: What is the NIA and why take over this case?
The National Investigation Agency is India’s counter-terrorism unit under the Home Ministry. It steps in when cases may involve terrorism, national security, border threats, or organized militancy
Q2: Are six arrests enough to solve the case?
They’re a start. With multiple weapons unaccounted for, the NIA will explore deeper networks beyond those first suspects.
Q3: What does suspension of IRB personnel imply?
It means the men on duty failed to maintain camp security. They might face formal disciplinary or criminal consequences for negligence.
Q4: Can this be tied to the larger Manipur violence?
Yes. Weapon looting is symptomatic of the broader ethnic unrest that’s destabilizing the region. Stealing arms isn’t incidental—it’s strategic.
Q5: How long will the NIA investigation take?
Hard to say. Riot and terror-linked looting can take months or even years. Expect phased reports and interim hearings.
