The main accused in the kidnapping and murder of two students– Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemanjit — was arrested by a joint team of security forces and CBI from Churachandpur district. Sources said he has been taken to Guwahati for further investigation and interrogation. Acting on specific information shared by the CBI about the presence of the main accused, Nohgin Baite Kuki alias Tiger Nohgin (39) s/o (L) Janglam Baite of Leimatak Bungmol village who is also said to be the commander of KNF (Zougam), a combined team of Central armed force, Assam Rifles and State force carried out massive search operation in Henglep area of Churachandpur district and arrested the accused.
The accused was first brought up to Imphal airport under very tight security arrangement and then taken to Guwahati in an Indigo flight, sources said. Earlier on October 1, 2023, a combined team of CBI, Indian Army and Assam Rifles arrested four persons including the wife of the main accused in connection with the abduction and cold blooded murder of the two students. The four accused arrested in October 2023 were identified as Paominlun Haokip, Smalsawn Haokip, Lhingneichong Baite and Paolunmang and they allegedly had direct knowledge of the crime.
Widespread protest erupted in the valley districts of the State after photos of Linthoingambi and Hemanjit who went missing on July 6, 2023 emerged on social media on September 25, 2023 . The photo showed the two students sitting on a grassy compound while two armed men could be seen behind them. In another photo, the bodies of the two students could be seen.The State Government handed over the case to the CBI in August 2023.
