Imphal: A 29-year-old intellectually disabled man, who was allegedly abducted by members of the Arambai Tenggol (AT), a Meitei voluntary group, was found dead on Tuesday morning near the Nambul riverbank between Samurou and Thounaojam in Imphal West.
The victim was Chesam Abdul Kadir of Phaobitek Mayai Leikai, Imphal West district.
Police said Abdul had been missing since the intervening night of June 10 and 11, after he reportedly entered the residence of Heikrujam Prafulo, 35, of Yumnam Huidrom Makha Leikai, Imphal West, under the jurisdiction of Wangoi police station.
In connection with his disappearance, Manipur police registered a case and arrested nine individuals—six AT members and three civilians, including one woman by Monday.
A statement issued by Manipur Police Control Room on Monday, said the arrested individuals have been remanded to police custody until June 28.
Police also seized five vehicles from their possession, including three Gypsies, one pick-up truck, and a two-wheeler.
During interrogation, the arrested individuals admitted that Abdul Kadir died in their custody while interrogating over an alleged theft attempt at Prafulo’s residence. They also confessed to burying his body near the riverbank, said a senior police officer.
Manipur Police, along with a team from the State Forensic Science Laboratory, recovered the body, which was then sent to the mortuary of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal.
Yunus Khan, a leader of the Disabled Development Association of Manipur, said, “It is unfortunate that a mentally disabled person was assaulted and killed mercilessly. Authorities and the public must cooperate to ensure justice for Abdul.”
Tension escalated in Paobitek Mayai Leikai where residents staged protests demanding the arrest of all those involved. Manipur police fired tear gas shells and mock bombs to disperse the irate crowd, who retaliated by pelting stones and using slingshots.
Arambai Tenggol has asserte
