Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another person involved in the sniper attack that led to the killing of a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) in Manipur.
The NIA reported that Otkhothang Baite, alias Othang Baite, a resident of Moreh in Tengnoupal district near the Myanmar border, was apprehended on April 30, 2026. This brings the total number of arrested suspects in the case to four.
Manipur Police Service (MPS) officer Chingtham Anand Kumar, SDPO of Moreh, was shot dead on October 31, 2023, by armed Kuki militants while overseeing ground clearance at Eastern Shine School for a helipad.
Following the assassination, security forces launched joint operations in Moreh to apprehend the accused.
Earlier, on January 15, 2024, Philip Khaikholal Khongsai and Hemkholal Mate were arrested for possession of arms. During interrogation, they allegedly revealed their involvement in the SDPO’s killing, leading the investigating officer to seek their formal arrest on charges of conspiracy to spread terror in Manipur.
In April 2026, the NIA also arrested another accused, Kamginthang Gangte.
The case was initially registered by Moreh Police and later transferred to the NIA in March 2024.