The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday began a forensic examination of the bodies of six civilians who were abducted from a village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district last month and later found dead, officials said. The bodies were brought to the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal at around 2:30 am after being recovered during a search operation. According to officials, a team of NIA investigators, forensic experts and other authorities started examining the bodies and collecting evidence as part of the ongoing investigation into the abduction and killings. The six victims were among a group of civilians abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13.
Investigators are conducting forensic analyses to determine the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths and gather evidence that could help identify those responsible. The case has drawn significant attention across Manipur, with authorities treating the matter as a serious criminal investigation. Officials said the probe remains underway and further details will emerge after the completion of forensic examinations and other investigative procedures. Meanwhile, tension prevailed at the JNIMS campus on Wednesday night after reports surfaced that the bodies would be brought to the hospital for post-mortem examination. Large numbers of people gathered near the mortuary complex, leading to a confrontation between sections of the crowd and security personnel deployed in the area.
The situation later escalated into clashes, prompting Manipur Police to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and prevent further disturbance around the hospital premises. Security forces subsequently brought the situation under control and strengthened security arrangements in and around the hospital to maintain law and order.
