NIA Arrests Key Accused in 2023 Killing of Manipur Police Officer

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a key accused in connection with the 2023 killing of a police officer during ethnic violence in Manipur, officials said on Thursday.

The accused, Otkhothang Baite alias Othang Baite, a resident of Moreh in Tengnoupal district, is believed to have played a crucial role in planning the attack carried out by suspected Kuki militants on a district police team.

The incident occurred on October 31, 2023, at the height of ethnic unrest in the state. A police team, led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anandakumar Singh, was present at a local playground in Moreh when militants allegedly opened indiscriminate fire.

Singh sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and later succumbed to his injuries, making the attack one of the most serious assaults on security personnel during the violence.

Initial investigations were conducted by local police in Moreh before the case was handed over to the NIA in March 2024 , considering its gravity and suspected links to organised militant activity.

According to officials, the investigation revealed that the attack was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at spreading fear and destabilising the region amid ongoing ethnic tensions.

Earlier this month, the agency had arrested another accused, identified as Kamginthang Gangte, in connection with the same case. Authorities said further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the conspiracy.

The case highlights the continued efforts of central agencies to crack down on those responsible for targeted attacks on security forces during the Manipur conflict.