Crime & Patronage Exposed: Asem Kanan Singh, a suspended cop linked to heinous crimes and Arambai Tenggol, is in CBI custody. But top MLAs are lobbying for his freedom, revealing the deep political backing that allegedly allowed the militia to flourish under previous governments.
BY Navin Upadhyay
IMPHAL, Manipur, June 8, 2025 — The arrest of Asem Kanan Singh by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has ignited a full-blown political uproar in Manipur. On Sunday, at least 20 Meitei MLAs, including members of both the BJP and Congress, rushed to meet Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, demanding the immediate release of Singh, a suspended head constable now alleged to be the “army chief” of the influential Meitei militia Arambai Tenggol.
The CBI, in a statement released Sunday, confirmed Singh’s arrest on charges linked to multiple criminal cases stemming from the 2023 Manipur violence. Identified by the agency as a key Arambai Tenggol figure, Singh has been moved to Guwahati for remand proceedings. This transfer aligns with Supreme Court directives that mandate shifting Manipur violence cases out of the state due to persistent law and order breakdown.
A delegation of MLAs called on Hon’ble Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan. They apprised the Governor of the prevailing law-and-order situation and urged his intervention to help facilitate a peaceful resolution. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/dUrXrt0Zb7
— RAJ BHAVAN MANIPUR (@RajBhavManipur) June 8, 2025
Political Firestorm Over CBI’s Claim
Following their meeting with Governor Bhalla, BJP MLA K. Ibomcha voiced the legislators’ concerns. “When we asked about the case in which Kanan was arrested, the authorities concerned said it was not known to them,” Ibomcha stated, adding, “The four others were arrested by the state police for allegedly being associated with Kanan. They did not have any CBI-related cases. They will be screened if they were involved in any other illegal activities.” This statement points to potential friction and lack of clarity between state and central agencies regarding the arrests.
READ: Opinion: Why NIA Must Nab Arambai Tenggol “Commander” Now
Congress MLA Th. Lokeshwar went a step further, demanding not just Singh’s release but also the arrest of top officials from the previous BJP-led government, including the former Home Minister and ex-DGP. Lokeshwar alleged institutional failures under their watch that he claims fueled the ethnic unrest, indicating a move to broader accountability.
Arambai Tenggol’s Deep Political Roots
Arambai Tenggol has reportedly enjoyed significant political patronage from prominent figures in Manipur, deeply intertwining the group with the state’s power structures. The organization’s founder and chairman, Manipur’s titular King and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, has consistently shown overt support. An oath-taking ceremony for the group was held at his residence in September 2022, and he has been seen publicly interacting with its members.
Beyond the titular king, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is also widely believed to have extended significant patronage to Arambai Tenggol. Multiple reports suggest that under his BJP-led state government, the group gained prominence and clout, with its members posting pictures of meetings with the then-Chief Minister on social media. Allegations by Kuki groups indicate that Arambai Tenggol was raised “with the blessings of the chief minister” and was “allowed to loot arms from the state armories.” This alleged backing allowed Arambai Tenggol cadres to operate freely across valley districts and foothills, contributing to concerns about selective enforcement and the group’s unchecked influence during the ongoing ethnic violence.
READ: Imphal’s Night of Horror Unmasks Arambai Tenggol’s True Face
Asem Kanan Singh: A Murky Past and Militant Allegations
Behind the political maneuvering is a grim dossier outlining Asem Kanan Singh’s alleged criminal activities. Singh, 42, of Yairipok Laimana, was suspended from the Manipur Police following serious accusations that include gunrunning, kidnapping, looting weapons from security forces, and even the abduction of an Additional SP during a February 2024 operation allegedly led by Arambai Tenggol. FIR No. 165(2)/2024, filed at Porompat Police Station, specifically names Singh as a ringleader in that attack.
He is further implicated in gun sales, armed assaults on police installations, and the brazen theft of a Fortuner SUV from a civilian at gunpoint. During past raids, recovered weapons and gear—including bulletproof vests, imported handguns, tactical kits, and stolen vehicles—have been linked to his alleged operations, painting a picture of a well-organized criminal enterprise.
Disgraced Cop, Militia Chief: The Rise & Fall of Kanan Singh
The CBI, empowered by the Supreme Court to investigate 38 cases related to the Manipur violence, views Singh’s arrest as a significant breakthrough. However, the immediate political backlash and the demands for his release threaten to derail public trust in the ongoing probe. The agency’s efforts may further expose how deeply armed groups like Arambai Tenggol have allegedly infiltrated state structures—and how quickly political forces may rally to protect them.
The coming days will critically test whether law enforcement agencies can act independently in a state where crime, politics, and identity have become dangerously entwined, posing a profound challenge to the restoration of peace and order.
