Guwahati: The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has directed the concerned authorities to facilitate the participation of two minor children in the last rites and death-related rituals of their mother, late Khaidem Ongbi Chaoba Devi.
In an order issued by the Commission, the MCPCR chairperson said the panel received a representation from the deceased’s relatives and the convenor of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) constituted in connection with her alleged unnatural death. The representation sought official intervention to ensure that the minor children are allowed to attend the funeral and related religious ceremonies.
The last rites of Khaidem Ongbi Chaoba Devi are scheduled to be held on January 13, 2026, at her parental family’s crematorium at Iram Siphai under Wangoi Police Station, in accordance with customary religious practices.
Clarifying the scope of its directive, the Commission said the order is purely facilitative and does not relate to custody matters or influence the ongoing investigation. The MCPCR stressed that children have an inalienable right to participate in the last rites and death rituals of a deceased parent.
Invoking its powers under Section 13 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, the MCPCR directed the concerned police authorities to make necessary security and facilitation arrangements so that the minor children can safely attend and take part in the funeral, Asti Sanchay (Mangani Leihun) and Shraddha (Lanna Thouram) rituals without obstruction.
Khaidem Ongbi Chaoba Devi was found dead on December 27 near her residence at Thiyam Leishangkhong under Wangoi Police Station, a day after she reportedly went missing on the night of December 26. The incident triggered suspicion among family members and local residents, leading to damage to the house and property of the deceased’s husband. Police used tear gas shells to control the situation.
Manipur Police have so far arrested four persons in connection with the case. The deceased’s husband and mother-in-law have been remanded to judicial custody. Two other prime suspects—Moirangthem Dhanajit (28) of Langathel Bazar, currently staying at Nongpok Keithelmanbi Awang Leikai, and Kananbala Devi alias Dhaneshwori (41) of Yairipok Wangkhem in Thoubal district—have also been taken into custody.
Meanwhile, the JAC and family members, who had initially declined to claim the body while demanding a thorough and impartial investigation, have decided to proceed with the last rites following the initiation of legal proceedings in the case.