The CBI’s capture of Asem Kanan Singh, identified as Arambai Tenggol’s top military figure, marks a pivotal moment. Delve into the background of this suspended police officer and the detailed allegations of his involvement in major criminal activities and ethnic violence.
BY PC Bureau
June 8, 2025: – Asem Kanan Singh, a figure now central to the escalating tensions in Manipur, is more than just a name in a police report. He is a 42-year-old former head constable of the Manipur Police, now disgraced and suspended, who has been publicly identified as the self-styled “Army Chief” of the formidable Arambai Tenggol militia. On the evening of July 7, Singh was “nabbed” by a joint team of police personnel and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), marking a significant development in the state’s efforts to quell widespread violence.
From Law Enforcement to Alleged Militia Command
Asem Kanan Singh, a resident of Yairipok Laimana in the Uripok Sorbon Thinge area, once served within the Manipur Police Department, last posted in the Imphal East Reserve. However, his career took a dramatic turn, leading to his suspension amidst mounting allegations of involvement in a series of heinous crimes. He is now widely known for his alleged leadership role within Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei organization notorious for its prominent role in the recent ethnic unrest that has plagued Manipur.
READ: Imphal’s Night of Horror Unmasks Arambai Tenggol’s True Face
While initial reports about his arrest mistakenly pointed to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), it has been clarified that the operation falls under the CBI’s jurisdiction. Singh’s capture is part of a broader effort to dismantle networks associated with Arambai Tenggol, a group implicated in numerous acts of violence across the state. His name has surfaced in connection with 38 cases related to Manipur violence that were handed over to the CBI by the Supreme Court of India.
The arrested self-styled Army Chief of the Meitei radical armed group #ArambaiTenggol, Mr. Kanan Singh, was a former Head Constable with the Manipur Police. He was terminated from service after being arrested with large quantities of drugs.@NELiveTV @NortheastToday @IndiaTodayNE… pic.twitter.com/5pzRdHYIoj
— H S Benjamin Mate (@BenjaminMate1) June 8, 2025
The CBI’s Case: Allegations of Abduction and Arms Looting
The CBI’s primary focus in Singh’s arrest is reportedly FIR No. 165(2)/2024 at Porompat Police Station. This case stems from a grave incident on February 27, 2024, when armed members of Arambai Tenggol allegedly attacked the residence of Imphal West Additional Superintendent of Police (Ops) Moirangthem Amit at Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai.
READ: CBI Confirms Manipur Arrest, Shifts AT leader to Guwahati
During this violent confrontation, the Additional SP was reportedly abducted in an alleged attempt to pressure police into releasing previously arrested Arambai Tenggol members. The assailants, allegedly led by Asem Kanan Singh, are accused of overpowering a commando team, snatching weapons including AK-47 rifles, injuring the officer’s driver, and causing extensive property damage through gunfire. The FIR explicitly lists Asem Kanan Singh as a leader of the armed group involved. Beyond this specific incident, Singh’s involvement in other criminal cases related to murder and extortion is also hinted, with authorities potentially consolidating multiple FIRs to strengthen the case against him.
A History of Alleged Criminal Involvement
The allegations against Singh paint a picture of a law enforcement officer who allegedly turned rogue, using his knowledge and connections for criminal enterprises. Beyond the Addl SP abduction, Singh is accused of orchestrating gun smuggling and selling operations, purportedly in collaboration with Kuki gun smugglers—a network that has further fueled regional tensions. He is also reported to have been involved in the attack on the 1st Manipur Rifles, the destruction of offices belonging to the Inspector General (IG) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and the brazen theft of a Fortuner SUV at gunpoint from a civilian.
READ: Opinion: Why NIA Must Nab Arambai Tenggol “Commander” Now
Singh’s alleged criminal activities have been under scrutiny for some time. In June, Moreh police apprehended a suspect and seized a cache of advanced weaponry, leading to Singh’s arrest the following day for his alleged role in facilitating these arms smuggling activities. A raid in October 2024 in Imphal West further revealed a stolen Fortuner SUV, forcibly taken from a civilian, being used by Singh and his associates. More recently, a December 2024 raid at his residence in Uripok uncovered incriminating items, including a DVD machine with a CCTV camera, an i-20 vehicle, three olive-green bags, a yellow life jacket marked SDRF, an air gun, and two bulletproof jackets, providing crucial evidence for ongoing investigations.
Implications of the Arrest
Asem Kanan Singh’s arrest is viewed as a significant blow to the Arambai Tenggol militia and highlights the efforts of the CBI in addressing the state’s deeply entrenched violence. His detention also raises broader concerns about the alleged infiltration of the Manipur Police by individuals with criminal intent, prompting calls for thorough internal reviews.
As investigations continue, the CBI is expected to delve deeper into Singh’s network, potentially leading to more arrests and the recovery of additional arms. For now, Asem Kanan Singh remains in custody, his once-promising police career now synonymous with serious criminal allegations, as justice begins to address the complex web of crime he is accused of weaving within Manipur’s ongoing unrest.
