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Manipur: NIA arrests prime suspect in 2023 police officer murder case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a 59-year-old man from Moreh, Manipur, in connection with the 2023 killing of SDPO Chingtham Anand Kumar. The case, registered by Moreh police, was taken over by the NIA in March 2024, following previous arrests and ongoing investigations.
Why It Matters
This marks a significant development in a high-profile case linked to suspected Kuki militants, with multiple arrests and ongoing inquiries by the NIA into the conspiracy behind the attack on a district police team.
Timeline
4 Events
April 30, 2026: NIA arrests prime suspect Otkhothang Baite
April 30, 2026
The NIA arrested 59-year-old Otkhothang Baite alias Othang Baite, a resident of Moreh in Tengnoupal district, described as the prime suspect in the conspiracy behind the attack on a district police team in a playground. The agency stated he was involved in the conspiracy behind the 2023 murder of the SDPO, with the attack carried out by members of a suspected Kuki militant group using sophisticated arms.
April 2026: Kamginthang Gangte arrested in the case
April 2026
The NIA arrested Kamginthang Gangte in the case earlier in April 2026; investigation into the matter was ongoing.
March 2024: NIA takes over investigation
March 2024
The Moreh police case into the murder was taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in March 2024.
2023: Murder of SDPO Chingtham Anand Kumar in Moreh
2023
Chingtham Anand Kumar, the SDPO (Moreh), was shot by a sniper while supervising the cleaning of grounds for a helipad construction at a school ground in Moreh. He was wounded, airlifted to Imphal (130 km away), and subsequently died from his injuries. The attack was attributed to suspected Kuki militants using sophisticated arms.