Imphal: The investigation into an inter-state arms smuggling racket in Manipur has been paused, as the four accused have been hospitalised, preventing the police from conducting full interrogations or producing them before the court.
On June 24, Manipur Police arrested the four accused Sinam Somendro Meitei alias Pankhei alias Richard, 43, and UNLF (Pambei) cadre, resident of Thangmeiband, Imphal West; Lanchemba Nongthomba, 24, resident of Nongmeibung Ayangpali, Imphal East; RK Abothe Singh alias Rohit, 33, resident of Singjamei Chirom Leikai, Imphal West; and Bishwanath Thokchom, 21, Kongpal Mutum Leikai, Imphal East, in a coordinated, ‘intelligence-based operation’ across various locations in Imphal. “The gang is suspected of operating a clandestine arms supply network in and around the state capital,” said police.
A significant cache of sophisticated weapons was recovered from their possession. The seized items included high-end foreign-made pistols Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, Glock, JD Taurus, Falcon, Keltec, and Beretta along with hundreds of rounds of live ammunition, wireless handsets, and mobile phones. Investigators believe that the weapons were part of a larger illegal arms trafficking operation.
All four accused have remained in hospital since their initial remand, citing various health complications. The court has extended their police custody multiple times first on June 24, then on June 30, and most recently on July 4 as they could not be physically produced for hearings. During a remand hearing before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Imphal East, on Thursday, the state prosecutor argued that no meaningful police interrogation had been possible due to the medical conditions of the accused.
Citing the Supreme Court ruling in CBI vs Vishal Mishra, the prosecutor asserted that days lost to illness should not be counted as part of the police custody period. He also questioned the qualifications of the attending doctors and requested their examination in court if bail was to be considered.
The defense counsel, meanwhile, raised concerns about the accused’s deteriorating health, including risks related to COVID-19 and other possible complications. On June 30, the CJM personally inspected the accused at both JNIMS and the public hospital. Following the visit, the court granted an extension of police custody. The state prosecutor has appealed for the formation of a state medical board comprising doctors from various departments to independently assess the health status of the accused. Authorities are also awaiting licensed arms records from the Joint Secretary (Home) to verify links to local gun houses involved in the sale of the seized weapons.
“Initial interrogation suggests the accused may be connected to a broader arms trafficking ring involving a suspect named Anil, who is allegedly residing in a relief camp in Churachandpur,” said police. “Anil handed over a Glock 30 pistol to Bishwanath Thokchom, the owner of Nongthongbam Gun House, who then distributed it through the gang. Anil is currently absconding.” The court has again extended the custody period, pending further medical evaluation and interrogation.
The Pambei-led UNLF faction singned a peace accord with the government of India in November 2023. However, it is not certain if the agreement goes successful as there has been reports of arrest of cadres of the outfit after the signing of the agreement.
