Two Found Dead by Suicide in Separate Incidents in Manipur Valley

Imphal, Manipur — Two men — a 19-year-old and a 61-year-old — were found dead in separate, apparently self-inflicted incidents across the southern parts of the Imphal Valley within the last 36 hours, police said on Tuesday. Authorities have registered two cases of unnatural death and sent the bodies to RIMS Hospital for post-mortem examination.

In the first incident, locals discovered the body of Anish Sheikh, 19, of Khelakhong Mamang Leikai (Kakching district), hanging from a tree at the Basic Ground near Kakching Police Station. Family members told police that Anish had left home around 4 p.m. on Sunday and failed to return; his body was found by residents at noon the following day. A traditional Meitei khudei (loincloth) was reportedly used in the hanging.

The second death was recorded in Bishnupur district, where police found Hemam Kumar, 61, of Okshongbung Mandap Maning (under Moirang Police Station), hanging from a tree in a paddy field at Okshongbung Meikhambi Maril. Both deaths were treated as suspected suicides pending forensic confirmation.

Investigators said no suicide notes have been recovered in either case and that inquiries are ongoing to establish motive and rule out foul play. Standard procedures have been followed: the cases were registered as unnatural deaths and the bodies were transported to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) for autopsy and further forensic analysis.

Local officials and community members expressed shock at the back-to-back incidents, which come amid growing concern over sudden and unnatural deaths reported across parts of the valley in recent weeks. Police urged residents to remain calm and to cooperate with investigators while appeals for families and neighbours to support one another were voiced by civic leaders.

Police investigators continue to interview relatives, friends and neighbours of the deceased as part of the probe. Any witnesses or anyone with information related to the incidents have been requested to approach the respective police stations.

These tragic events underline the need for timely mental-health support and community vigilance. If you or someone you know is in distress, reaching out to local health services, community leaders, or trusted contacts can be a first step toward help.