In a significant turn of events surrounding the Moreh SDPO Ch Anandkumar murder case, the key suspects, Philip Khaikholal Khongsai and Hemkholal Mate, have been remanded to judicial custody until February 23. This crucial decision was reached during a hearing at the Special Court (NIA), Imphal West, where the accused were presented via video conference by the Moreh police station. The request for judicial custody remand was made by the police, who apprehended the duo on January 15.
Philip Khaikholal Khongsai, a 43-year-old ex-serviceman of the 14th Assam Regiment, not only stands accused in the murder case but also holds the position of president at Moreh Youth Club. Shockingly, he is purported to be leading the Moreh Defence Force, an entity allegedly trained by the United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF). On the other hand, Hemkholal Mate, aged 35 and the chief of K Moulsang village, is also linked to the Village Volunteer Force.
During the court proceedings, the Defence Counsel not only lodged a remand objection but also filed a bail plea for the accused. The charges stem from an incident on October 31, 2023, where Kuki militants reportedly attacked a security personnel team in Moreh, leading to the tragic demise of SDPO Anandkumar.
In the midst of these developments, Philip Khaikholal Khongsai, in police custody, has admitted his association with various organizations but has refrained from providing details about the SDPO’s assassination. Similarly, Hemkholal Mate, while confirming his affiliation with Philip Khaikholal Khongsai, has remained reticent about the case. Notably, both suspects declined to sign the arrest memo after being formally taken into custody.
The investigations into the case have unveiled that the duo, along with other arrested individuals, are leaders of groups implicated in ambushing and attacking State Police, Assam Rifles, and Central Forces stationed in Moreh. Furthermore, it has been revealed that Philip Khaikholal Khongsai, allegedly harboring grudges against SDPO Anandkumar, had reportedly issued threats to the officer on multiple occasions.
Upon thorough consideration and perusal of the case records, the court decided to remand the accused to judicial custody until February 23. However, the Defence Counsel has been granted permission for a video conference with the accused for further legal proceedings.
The ongoing investigation also involves requisitions for SDR (Subscriber Detail Record) and CDR (Call Detail Record) of the accused’s mobile phones to extract additional evidence related to the crime. In total, nine individuals, including one Myanmar national, have been arrested in connection with the case. The seven other accused, already in judicial custody, have been identified as Letngam Lupho, Jamkhohao Lupho, George Holkhosat Khongsai, Letgoulen Doungel, Jangkhohao Haokip, Jangkhomang Baite, and Ma Mong Shu. The intricate details continue to unfold as the investigation progresses, shedding light on the complex web surrounding the Moreh SDPO murder case.
