The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has recently taken a significant step in the investigation of the Manipur car bomb blast case that occurred last year. According to an official statement released on Saturday, the NIA has filed a charge sheet against two accused individuals, one of whom is identified as the key conspirator behind the tragic incident that left three people injured.
The charge sheet was filed before a special NIA court in Manipur’s Bishnupur on Friday, shedding light on the details of the explosion that took place on June 21, 2023. The bomb, planted in a Mahindra Scorpio, detonated on a bridge adjoining Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Leikai and Kwakta area along Tiddim road (NH-02) in Kwakta ward no. 07 (KMC), Bishnupur. The blast not only caused injuries to three individuals but also resulted in significant damage to the bridge, an electric pole, electrical assets, and surrounding houses.
The two accused individuals, Mohammed Noor Hussain alias Tomba alias Mohammed Nur Hasan and Seiminlun Gangte alias Minlun, were apprehended in connection with the blast. The NIA’s charge sheet includes various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act 1908, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
The investigation conducted by the NIA revealed that Hussain was responsible for driving the SUV containing the IED and parking it on the bridge in Kwakta, while his accomplice initiated the detonation mechanism. Gangte, identified as the key conspirator, was arrested on November 2, 2023, for his involvement in planning and executing the explosion with the intent to instill terror and disrupt the movement of security forces, people, and supply of commodities.
Furthermore, the NIA disclosed that Gangte recruited associates to conduct reconnaissance of the area and carry out the explosion. The agency is currently pursuing further leads to track down other absconding individuals involved in the case.
The incident took place amid escalating ethnic tensions in Manipur following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized on May 3 last year to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The blast added to the violence that has claimed the lives of at least 219 individuals in the region..
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