The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Imphal has secured a warrant for the virtual production of Lunminsei Kipgen, a key suspect in the January killing of four civilians in Bishnupur.
Lunminsei Kipgen, also known as Langinmang, Mang, or Levis, aged 35, from Mamong village, Henglep Block, Churachandpur district, is currently detained in Central Jail Lokhra, Guwahati on a separate charge.
On January 18, amidst escalating tensions in Manipur, Kuki militants armed with advanced weapons opened fire on civilians near a water treatment plant at Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou in Bishnupur district.
The attack resulted in the deaths of four individuals: Oinam Bamonjao and his son Oinam Manitomba, Thiyam Somendro, and Ningthoujam Nabadeep, all from Ningthoukhong Kha-Khunou.
An application was filed today with the NIA Court Manipur under Section 267 CrPC to issue a warrant for Lunminsei’s virtual appearance in connection with this case.
During the hearing, the Special Public Prosecutor stated that the NIA Imphal had re-registered and taken over the case from Bishnupur police.
The Special PP NIA indicated that during the investigation, a video clip allegedly showing Lunminsei involved in the shooting incident was discovered.
NIA Guwahati confirmed that Lunminsei had been arrested by Assam police in a case involving multiple sections of the IPC and UA(P) Act.
An application for his judicial interrogation was submitted to the District and Session Judge Kamrup, Guwahati on May 17. Lunminsei was subsequently interrogated in jail on May 20 and May 21.
During the interrogation, Lunminsei allegedly admitted his involvement in the January 18 shooting.
The Special PP further submitted that the video in NIA’s custody shows Lunminsei repeatedly stabbing one of the victims, Ningthoujam Nabadeep Meitei (39), with the bayonet of an AK-series rifle.
After reviewing the submissions and materials on record, the Court issued the warrant against Lunminsei.
