Three members of the Meitei socio-cultural outfit Arambai Tenggol
Summary of the News Article
Three members of the Meitei socio-cultural outfit Arambai Tenggol—Huidrom Somokanta Singh, Huidrom Dipak Singh, and Thingujam Ranjit Singh—were arrested by Manipur Police on June 15, 2025, in connection with the abduction of 29‑year‑old differently‑abled man, Chesam Abdul Kadir (Achouba), from Paobitek Mayai Leikai in Imphal West. He had gone missing on June 10 and was rescued during the arrest operation. The trio have been remanded to seven days’ police custody, and the investigation continues as authorities seek to apprehend other suspects. The case had already triggered public outrage, prompting the formation of a Joint Action Committee and protests demanding swift action
1. What Happened? A Closer Look at the Incident
On June 10, 2025, the disappearance of 29-year-old Chesam Abdul Kadir, known as Achouba, from Paobitek Mayai Leikai in Imphal West triggered a wave of concern. As a differently‑abled individual, his vanishing sparked immediate alarm in the neighborhood. A missing person’s report was filed, and a Joint Action Committee (JAC) was formed locally, applying pressure on authorities to act quickly .
The situation escalated as community members gathered outside Wangoi Police Station, warning of protests if the police failed to find Achouba. Their actions reflect a broader trend in Manipur, where civic groups hold authorities accountable during crises.
2. The Arrest: Who, When, Where
On June 15, three men linked to Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei socio-cultural organization, were arrested:
- Huidrom Somokanta Singh (Yumnam Huidrom Khunyai, Imphal West)
- Huidrom Dipak Singh (Yumnam Huidrom Makha Leikai, Imphal West)
- Thingujam Ranjit Singh (Yumnam Huidrom Khunyai Leikai, Imphal West)
Achouba was found safe and in custody at the time of arrest. The police have since remanded the trio for seven days and intensified efforts to detain additional suspects in the abduction.
Recent arrests related to mob violence include five additional Arambai Tenggol members connected to assaults on police officers and militants following a bandh (strike) in Bishnupur in early June. The tensions prompted restrictions across valley districts, including curfews and internet shutdowns
5. Community Response & Ongoing Investigation
The abduction stirred local outrage, prompting the formation of a JAC. The committee’s involvement ensured sustained pressure on authorities, leading to swift police action. The arrests and rescue operation have offered some relief, but the broader investigation is ongoing. Police have announced searches for other suspects involved, indicating the case is far from closed
On June 10, 2025, the disappearance of Chesam Abdul Kadir—a 29‑year‑old man with disabilities—sparked anxiety within Paobitek Mayai Leikai. For residents, his vulnerability amplified the urgency of finding him. Did local tensions enable such a crime? Or was it opportunistic? This article explores both the specific case and its reflection of wider unrest in the region.
2. The Disappearance of Achouba: Fanning the Flames
Achouba’s disappearance wasn’t just an individual’s tragedy—it symbolized deeper fractures. The local Joint Action Committee quickly organized, dictating that justice was not negotiable. Protests and nightly vigils erupted at Wangoi Police Station, culminating in a warning: fail us, and we will mobilize broader demonstrations.
This kind of civic pressure isn’t new in Manipur. Similar outcries in response to past crimes have sometimes forced law enforcement to act more decisively. The JAC’s role here: relentless community oversight, which likely accelerated the reaction following Achouba’s rescue.
3. The Arrest of Three Arambai Tenggol Members
On June 15, police announced the arrests of three individuals:
- Huidrom Somokanta Singh
- Huidrom Dipak Singh
- Thingujam Ranjit Singh .
All three hail from the same locality—Yumnam Huidrom area, Imphal West. They allegedly abducted Achouba and were in custody when police arrived. The swift arrests seemed to vindicate the JAC’s pressure. Reportedly, they were brought before a magistrate and remanded to seven days of police custody; meanwhile, police hunts for others involved have already begun.
FAQs
- Who is Achouba (Chesam Abdul Kadir)?
A 29-year-old differently‑abled man who went missing from Paobitek Mayai Leikai on June 10. He was rescued when suspects were arrested. - Who were the arrested suspects?
Huidrom Somokanta Singh, Huidrom Dipak Singh, and Thingujam Ranjit Singh, all allegedly linked to Arambai Tenggol. - What is Arambai Tenggol?
A Meitei socio-cultural group founded in 2020 with estimated volunteer strength between 50k–60k. It has been involved in both cultural and militant-style activities amid ethnic unrest. - Why is this incident significant?
The crime shows how vulnerable populations can be targeted amid communal unrest. It tests the state’s responsiveness and threatens civil order. - What are the next legal steps?
The trio is under seven days’ police remand, during which evidence must be gathered. Formal charges must follow, and investigations continue to unmask the full abduction network.
