Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The prime accused in the sensational kidnapping and murder case of two students, Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemanjit, was arrested from Manipur’s Churachandpur district on May 23, 2026, officials said.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a joint team comprising Central armed forces, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched an extensive search operation in the Henglep area. During the operation, security personnel apprehended Nohgin Baite Kuki alias Tiger Nohgin (39), son of late Janglam Baite of Leimatak Bungmol village. He is believed to be the commander of the militant outfit Kuki National Front (KNF) (Zougam).
Following his arrest, the accused was brought to Imphal airport and later flown to Guwahati aboard an Indigo flight.
The case dates back to July 6, 2023, when the two students went missing after leaving on a motorbike for Bishnupur district. The incident sparked widespread outrage in September 2023 after disturbing images circulated on social media. One photograph showed the students seated with armed men in the background, while another allegedly depicted their bodies.
Amid growing public protests across the valley districts, the State Government transferred the investigation to the CBI on August 23, 2023.
Subsequently, on October 1, 2023, a joint operation by the CBI, Indian Army, and Assam Rifles led to the arrest of four individuals -Paominlun Haokip, Smalsawn Haokip, Lhingneichong Baite and Paolunmang who were suspected to have direct involvement in the crime.
Later, on January 3, 2024, the CBI submitted two separate charge sheets before a designated special court in Kamrup, Assam, against five accused persons, including Nohgin Baite Kuki. According to the investigation, the two students were intercepted along Old Cachar Road, abducted by a group of armed individuals and taken to an undisclosed location where they were allegedly killed.
While the four co-accused had been arrested earlier from Pune and Churachandpur in 2023, Nohgin Baite Kuki had remained absconding until his recent capture.
Officials also noted that he had previously been arrested in August 2020 by Bishnupur commandos and the 31 Assam Rifles in connection with a case involving arms and ammunition.
As of now, the CBI has not released an official statement regarding the latest arrest.