Court in Guwahati grants CBI custody in relation to the alleged murder of missing Manipur students

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been granted five days of detention of the four suspects detained in connection with the investigation into the disappearance and possible murder of two Manipuri students, according to a major development. The two students, Phijam Hemanjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17), went missing on July 6. On September 25, disturbing images purportedly showing their corpses surfaced, sparking widespread protests, especially among students.

In connection with the complaints filed on August 23, the CBI detained two males, Paominlun Haokip and Smalsawm Haokip, together with two women, Lhingneichong Baitekuki and Tinneilhing Henthang, on Sunday. After considering the available evidence, the special court in Guwahati determined that there were good reasons to give the CBI five days of custody of the accused. The two young children of one of the defendants, who had been transported to Guwahati for their safety, were additionally ordered by the court to be properly cared for by the district child welfare officer of the Kamrup district, according to PTI.

On October 7, the defendants are scheduled to return to court. According to CBI sources, the agency used female officers during the arrests and ensured that all legal requirements were met. The crimes were first reported to Imphal Police and Lamphel Police on July 8 and July 19, respectively. The arrests were made in response to complaints made by the parents of the missing pupils.

Due to the seriousness of the situation, a CBI team headed by Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar arrived in Manipur on September 27 to supervise and support the inquiry after the upsetting photos were circulated. The news sparked tense demonstrations in the city of Manipur, which resulted in attacks on the deputy commissioner’s office and the ancestral home of Manipur’s chief minister, N Biren Singh, on September 28 and 29, respectively.

Several hundred people have been hurt and over 180 people have died as a result of the continuing tensions in Manipur since ethnic violence broke out on May 3. Conflicts started as a result of a “Tribal Solidarity March” that was planned in the hill areas to oppose the Meitei community’s request for Scheduled Tribe designation. In the Imphal Valley, the Meiteis make up the majority (around 53%) whereas the Nagas and Kukis, who together make up slightly over 40%, live in the hill districts.