National Investigation Agency Files Chargesheet Against 8 Persons in Manipur

Based on its investigation on the missing arms case in Manipur, the National Investigation Agency has filed a charge sheet against 8 persons. The eight persons charged by NIA are Laishram Anilkumar Singh, Thokchom James, Paonam Shantikumar Singh, Haobam Brojendro Singh, Ngamboi Haokip, Nellikattil Podiyan Damodaran, Mathurabashimayum Hiranjoy Sharma and Laishram Damudor Singh.

The arms and weapons which went missing from DG Pool Kote of Manipur, located at 2nd Manipur Rifles Battalion, Imphal back in 2014, has been searched upon and investigated thoroughly by the NIA. In fact, as a preliminary success, the NIA has been able to recover/seize 20 numbers of 9mm Auto 1A Pistols and 05 numbers of Magazines as well.

In addition to some ordinary people suspected to be involved in this case, the investigating agency has alleged the involvement of a Congress MLA as well. Before this as well, it had arrested Yamthong Haokip, an MLA from the Sail constituency.

Investigations are in action and nine persons have been arrested as well in connection with the missing arm case. It is only the strict interrogation of the accused that Yamthong Haokip’s involvement in the crime could be revealed.

Not only this, the Manipur government had suspended four high-ranking police officials, including an IPS officer as well on finding their connection with the case of missing weapons.

As per official reports, 56 auto 9 mm pistols along with 58 magazines were found missing from the 2nd Manipur Rifles Battalion. The missing arms belonged to a batch of 570 pistols that were received by the state police headquarters in 2014 for supply to 2nd Manipur Rifles.

Shockingly, after the arrest of MLA Haokip, the NIA found the following things at his home: a cash amount of Rs. 26.40 lakhs; gold ornaments worth Rs. 20 lakhs; one 9mm pistol bearing no. 18506735 with magazine; one Beretta Pistol bearing no. DAA 462616, 3032 TOMCAT-32 Auto Made in the USA with magazine; one unlicensed 9mm Pietro Beretta Gardone V.T Pistol bearing MOD.9QFS-CAL .9 PARA BELLUM-PATENTED & K57398Z, Made in Italy, with magazine; one DBBL gun bearing no. 65330/05 having Licence no. L/981(KPI) renewed upto 31st December, 2014; one SBBL gun without any mark of identification; 22 rounds of live ammunition of 0.32 pistol; 15 rounds of live ammunition of 9mm pistol; 04 rounds of live ammunition of 7.62 Rifle and 04 rounds of live ammunition of 7.62X39 (AK series).