Special Judge CBI, Guwahati grants absolute bail to three accused in Manipur arms looting case

Imphal: The Special Judge, CBI, Guwahati, has granted absolute bail to three of the five accused in connection with the arms looting case at the Manipur Police Training Centre (MPTC) on May 4, 2023.

The accused, identified as Athokpam Kajit, Konthoujam Romojit Meitei, and Keisham Johnson, were initially granted interim bail on December 17, 2024, upon furnishing a PR bond of Rs 20,000 with one surety each for the same amount, as ordered by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Kamrup (Metro).

The CBI had filed a chargesheet in the case on January 16, 2024, before the CJM, Kamrup (Metro). The charges stemmed from the looting of a police armoury at the MPTC in Pangei, Imphal, where a mob stormed the facility and took away 400 guns, 700 magazines, and 17,000 bullets. The incident occurred a day after clashes broke out in the state.

The central probe agency took over the investigation on June 9, 2023, following notifications from the Manipur government and the Centre under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. The chargesheet named five suspects: Moirangthem Anand Singh, Athokpam Kajit, Loukrakpam Michael Mangangcha, Konthoujam Romojit Meitei, and Keisham Johnson.

The accused, Kajit, Johnson, and Romojit, had earlier sought pre-arrest bail and exemption from appearance, citing apprehension of arrest. Following the court’s directive, they appeared before the CJM, Kamrup (Metro), on December 18, 2024, and were granted interim bail.

The CBI filed an objection on January 3, 2025, incorrectly claiming that the accused had not appeared in court. However, court records confirmed their appearance.

In its order, the Special Judge, CBI, noted that the chargesheet had been submitted and the case was ready for commitment. The court also emphasized that the accused had been out of custody throughout the investigation.

“No justification has been shown in the objection petition as to what purpose will be served by sending the accused to judicial custody at this stage,” the court stated.

Considering the circumstances, the court converted the interim bail into absolute bail for the three accused.