While the Army Chief dismisses reports of drone bombings in Manipur, the NIA presents evidence suggesting that over 40 bombs were dropped using drones, killing a woman and injuring her child.
BY PC Bureau
Contradicting Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi’s assertion that there was no drone bombing in Manipur, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has told a Special Court that 40 bombs were dropped over two villages in Manipur on September 1, 2024.
On October 18, the Army Chief dismissed reports of drone bombings in Manipur, stating: “We have checked these claims on the ground and found no evidence of drone bombings. There was also a narrative of 900 anti-national elements infiltrating the region, but we found nothing to support this as well.”
General Dwivedi made these remarks at the second edition of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024, where he addressed issues related to the violence in Manipur.
Former Assam Rifles Director General P.C. Nair echoed this stance in a television interview, calling the claims of drone bombings a “false narrative” after verifying the situation with officers on the ground.’
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However, the NIA has presented contradictory findings. In a crucial development, the agency submitted key evidence before the Special Court NIA Manipur, asserting that on September 1, 2024, over 40 bombs were dropped on Koutruk and Kadangband using drones, resulting in the death of a woman and serious injuries to her child.
The Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi @Spearcorps @adgpi categorically stated that there was no drone bombing present in Manipur.
Despite this, @NIA_India is putting forth conflicting evidence.
Is he deliberately attempting to shield Chin-Kuki-Zo illegal immigrants or… pic.twitter.com/8P5NUBcdrP
— BiMoL L (@Bimol27lyz) February 22, 2025
According to the NIA, the drones and accessories used in the attack were procured from suppliers in Delhi and Haryana. Their investigation traced the source of these drones to Mayank Sharma (30) from New Delhi and Vikram Chaudhary from Rohtak, Haryana.
As per the NIA’s application, between 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM on September 1, 2024, drones were observed hovering over Koutruk and Kadangband before dropping over 40 bombs on residential areas.
The assault escalated after 6:00 PM, when militants reportedly descended from the western hill ranges and set fire to homes, vehicles, and machinery. In the aftermath, the charred remains of Tata trucks, motorcycles, scooters, and water-pumping machines were discovered at Koutruk Chingthak Leikai.
While the NIA claims to have identified the drone suppliers, it could not itself establish that these drones were used to drop bombs. The NIA submission does not identify the individuals or groups who supplied such a large number of bombs.”
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Key Figures in the Supply Chain
The NIA has identified Khaigoulen Kipgen, alias David, a resident of Gamngai village, Motbung, as a central figure in procuring the drones. Kipgen allegedly sourced drones and accessories from multiple suppliers, including Sharma and Chaudhary, making payments both in cash and via online transactions.
Additionally, Laikangbam Albert Singh (36) from Nagamapal Kangjabi Leirak was found to have purchased drone batteries from the same suppliers. The NIA is now analyzing bank statements and digital transactions to uncover the full extent of their involvement.
The Manipur Police had described the drone bombings as an unprecedented security threat, stating:
“In an unprecedented attack in Koutruk, Imphal West, alleged Kuki militants deployed RPGs using high-tech drones. While drone bombs are widely used in modern warfare, their use against security forces and civilians marks a significant escalation.”
Special Court Admits NIA’s Evidence
On February 22, 2025, the Special Public Prosecutor (PP) of the NIA submitted an application before the Special Court NIA Manipur, presenting critical evidence, including:
- A production-cum-seizure memo
- Audio-video recordings related to the drone attacks
- Eyewitness testimonies and forensic reports
The Special Court reviewed the documents and admitted the evidence, paving the way for further legal proceedings.
Ongoing Investigation
The NIA’s findings contradict official military statements, raising serious concerns about the presence of an illegal drone supply network linked to militant activities in Manipur.
The agency is now investigating whether Mayank Sharma and Vikram Chaudhary knowingly supplied drones for the attack or if they were deceived into selling the components.
As the probe continues, the case highlights the evolving nature of security threats posed by drone warfare in conflict zones across India.
