6 arrested for ‘kidnap-murder’ of man in Imphal West

Imphal: Manipur Police have arrested six people in connection with the "kidnap and murder" of Chesam Abdul Kadir, a resident of Paobitek Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district. He went missing during the intervening night of June 10-11. The arrests were made on Monday.Kadir's body was found at the residence of Heikrujam Prafulo Singh (35) at Yumnam Huidrom Makha Leikai a couple of days after he had gone missing. Prafulo was arrested and remanded to custody until June 23. His detention led to the arrest of five others, including three members of the Arambai Tenggol organisation in the connection. The arrested Arambai Tenggol members were identified as Longjam Henson, alias Naocha Meitei (24), Thounaojam Ashok Singh (20), and Huidrom Shyamsunder Singh (30). Two civilians — Heikrujam Premchand Puremba (28) and Sapam Dayani Devi (42) — were also arrested. All six suspects appeared before a magistrate and were remanded to police custody until June 23. So far, nine people — six Arambai Tenggol members and three civilians — have been arrested in connection with the case. Authorities have also seized five vehicles during the investigation, including three cars, one pickup truck, and one scooter. The probe into Kadir's disappearance and subsequent discovery of his body at a residence near Mayai Lambi College Gate in Imphal West district is still ongoing. The United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipur, has strongly condemned the killing of Abdul Kadir, demanding justice, capital punishment for the accused, and the transfer of the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Describing the crime as an "inexcusable violation of the right to life, dignity, and protection of vulnerable citizens" under the Constitution, UMPC expressed outrage over the killing of Kadir, a mentally challenged civilian."While we appreciate the prompt action of the Manipur Police in apprehending several individuals, including members of the so-called vigilante group Arambai Tenggol, it is imperative that justice be delivered swiftly and firmly," UMPC stated in a press statement. It urged the authorities to immediately arrest all remaining perpetrators and charge them under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). It also demanded that the case be fast-tracked through a special court to ensure a speedy trial and justice, and that the state govt provide immediate ex-gratia relief and rehabilitation support to the victim's family. Additionally, it called for a complete ban and legal scrutiny of unlawful armed vigilante groups, transparency in the investigation and judicial proceedings to restore public trust, and enhanced community policing and protective measures for mentally challenged, differently-abled, and marginalised individuals in the state. While appealing for solidarity and justice for Abdul Kadir, UMPC reiterated its unwavering stance against violence, lawlessness, and human rights violations. The organisation pledged to stand by the victim's family in their fight for justice. In light of the potentially volatile situation, MLA Wangoi AC, Kh Loken, has urged the public to maintain peace and assured them that strict action will be taken against the culprits. The Manipur Federal Organisation also condemned the killing and pledged support for any movement launched by the joint action committee formed in connection with the case.Imphal: Manipur Police have arrested six people in connection with the "kidnap and murder" of Chesam Abdul Kadir, a resident of Paobitek Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district. He went missing during the intervening night of June 10-11. The arrests were made on Monday.Kadir's body was found at the residence of Heikrujam Prafulo Singh (35) at Yumnam Huidrom Makha Leikai a couple of days after he had gone missing. Prafulo was arrested and remanded to custody until June 23. His detention led to the arrest of five others, including three members of the Arambai Tenggol organisation in the connection. The arrested Arambai Tenggol members were identified as Longjam Henson, alias Naocha Meitei (24), Thounaojam Ashok Singh (20), and Huidrom Shyamsunder Singh (30). Two civilians — Heikrujam Premchand Puremba (28) and Sapam Dayani Devi (42) — were also arrested. All six suspects appeared before a magistrate and were remanded to police custody until June 23. So far, nine people — six Arambai Tenggol members and three civilians — have been arrested in connection with the case. Authorities have also seized five vehicles during the investigation, including three cars, one pickup truck, and one scooter. The probe into Kadir's disappearance and subsequent discovery of his body at a residence near Mayai Lambi College Gate in Imphal West district is still ongoing. The United Meitei-Pangal Committee (UMPC), Manipur, has strongly condemned the killing of Abdul Kadir, demanding justice, capital punishment for the accused, and the transfer of the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Describing the crime as an "inexcusable violation of the right to life, dignity, and protection of vulnerable citizens" under the Constitution, UMPC expressed outrage over the killing of Kadir, a mentally challenged civilian."While we appreciate the prompt action of the Manipur Police in apprehending several individuals, including members of the so-called vigilante group Arambai Tenggol, it is imperative that justice be delivered swiftly and firmly," UMPC stated in a press statement. It urged the authorities to immediately arrest all remaining perpetrators and charge them under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). It also demanded that the case be fast-tracked through a special court to ensure a speedy trial and justice, and that the state govt provide immediate ex-gratia relief and rehabilitation support to the victim's family. Additionally, it called for a complete ban and legal scrutiny of unlawful armed vigilante groups, transparency in the investigation and judicial proceedings to restore public trust, and enhanced community policing and protective measures for mentally challenged, differently-abled, and marginalised individuals in the state. While appealing for solidarity and justice for Abdul Kadir, UMPC reiterated its unwavering stance against violence, lawlessness, and human rights violations. The organisation pledged to stand by the victim's family in their fight for justice. In light of the potentially volatile situation, MLA Wangoi AC, Kh Loken, has urged the public to maintain peace and assured them that strict action will be taken against the culprits. The Manipur Federal Organisation also condemned the killing and pledged support for any movement launched by the joint action committee formed in connection with the case.