Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: The Central Bureau of Investigation has taken custody of Nokjaging Baite, a 38-year-old key member of the United Kuki National Army. Security forces apprehended Baite, also known as Tiger, along with two other cadres in Ngathal village on May 22. The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into the 2023 abduction and murder of two Meitei students, Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Lingthoinganbi.
The two students went missing on July 6, 2023, and public outcry intensified after images suggesting their deaths emerged that September. The CBI previously arrested four other suspects in October 2023. Investigators have accused Baite of leading a criminal conspiracy, destroying evidence, and abducting the victims. A Guwahati court issued a non-bailable warrant for his arrest last year and named him a proclaimed offender.
Beyond the student murders, officials linked Baite to a string of violent crimes occurring during recent ethnic unrest. These include the destruction of an electric tower in Kangpokpi, attacks on a petrol tanker and the convoy of the Chief Minister in Jiribam, and the killings of three woodcutters in Churachandpur. The suspect had successfully avoided capture for three years.
Assam Rifles also detained Thongpi Guite and Shokhomang Baite during the operation in Churachandpur. Security personnel recovered an AK-47 rifle, a 9 mm pistol, two hand grenades, and various rounds of ammunition from the group.
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