Special Court Grants CBI Five-Day Custody of Suspects in Manipuri Students' Alleged Killings

In a significant development in the investigation into the alleged killings of two Manipuri students, a special court in Guwahati has granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) a five-day custody of four individuals, including two women. The suspects, identified as Paominlun Haokip, Smalsawm Haokip, Lhingneichong Baitekuki, and Tinneilhing Henthang, were presented before the court on Monday, October 2.

The case revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Meitei students, Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17), who went missing on July 6 under suspicious circumstances. Their families and the community had been relentlessly searching for them, raising concerns about their safety.

The investigation took a grim turn when photos of two bodies believed to be those of the missing students surfaced on social media platforms. This revelation shook the local community and led to public outrage. The circulation of these images occurred after the restoration of mobile internet services in Manipur, adding further intensity to the situation.

The Central Bureau of Investigation stepped in to probe the case, and during the court hearing on October 2, they requested a five-day custody of the four accused individuals. The accused include Paominlun Haokip, Smalsawm Haokip, Lhingneichong Baitekuki, and Tinneilhing Henthang. The CBI argued that this custody is necessary to facilitate a thorough investigation into the alleged killings and to uncover any potential leads in the case.

The court granted the CBI's request for five days of custody, allowing the investigative agency to further question the suspects and gather evidence. This development marks a crucial step forward in seeking justice for the families of the two Meitei students and the Manipuri community as a whole.

The investigation into the alleged killings of Phijam Hemjit and Hijam Linthoingambi remains ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident. The case has garnered widespread attention and concern, not only locally but also nationally, as it highlights the importance of safeguarding the lives and rights of students and citizens across India.