The fatal attack occurred at the height of the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence, when suspected militants opened fire on a police team in Moreh supervising helipad construction.
BY PC Bureau
April 30, 2026 — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a prime accused in the 2023 ambush and killing of a senior police officer in Manipur’s sensitive border town of Moreh, marking a significant breakthrough in its ongoing investigation into a suspected militant conspiracy linked to the state’s ethnic violence.
The accused, identified as Otkhothang Baite alias Othang Baite, is a resident of Tengnoupal district. According to an official NIA statement, he played a crucial role in planning and executing the October 31, 2023 ambush on a district police team that resulted in the death of Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anandakumar Singh.
The Attack
The fatal incident took place on the morning of October 31, 2023, at the peak of the ethnic unrest that engulfed Manipur. A combined team of district police personnel, Special Commandos, and 5th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) jawans had gathered at a local playground in Moreh to supervise the construction of a helipad—an essential infrastructure project in the strategically sensitive India–Myanmar border region.
During this time, suspected Kuki militants launched a sudden and coordinated attack opening indiscriminate fire on the security personnel. SDPO Chingtham Anandakumar Singh sustained a serious gunshot wound to the abdomen during the assault and later succumbed to his injuries, triggering widespread outrage and concerns within law enforcement circles.
2nd prime accused, Otkhothang Baite, has been arrested in the 2023 killing of a sub divisional police officer (SDPO) in an attack by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur. One accused was arrested in the case earlier this month. pic.twitter.com/XyOZFmAoau
— NIA India (@NIA_India) April 30, 2026
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Investigation and Arrests
The case was initially registered by Moreh Police before being taken over by the NIA in March 2024, reflecting its serious national security implications. It was re-registered as RC-02/2024/NIA/IMP.
Investigators have since uncovered evidence suggesting that the attack was not an isolated act of violence but part of a larger, planned conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the region and spreading fear among security forces and civilians alike.
Otkhothang Baite has been described by officials as a “prime conspirator,” allegedly linked to the planning and coordination of the ambush. His arrest follows earlier ation in the case, including the apprehension of another accused, Kamginthang Gangte, earlier in April 2026.
The NIA has also previously detained multiple suspects in connection with the kuilling, including individuals believed to have cross-border links, highlighting the international dimension of the investigation given Moreh’s proximity to Myanmar.
The killing of SDPO Chingtham Anandakumar Singh occurred during one of the most volatile phases of the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence, which saw prolonged clashes between communities, large-scale displacement, and repeated attacks on security forces.
Moreh, located along the India–Myanmar border, has remained a flashpoint due to its strategic importance and history of insurgent activity. The kilkling of a senior police officer in such a area underscored the scale of the security challenge facing authorities during the unrest.
Ongoing Probe
Officials said the investigation is continuing at a fast pace, with a focus on dismantling the broader militant network involved in the attack. Key areas under scrutiny include funding channels, arms supply, cross-border movement, and the chain of command behind the operation.
Authorities have not yet disclosed Baite’s precise operational role or confirmed affiliations with any specific militant outfit, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing probe.
The NIA has urged members of the public to come forward with any relevant information that could aid in bringing all perpetrators to justice.
This latest arrest underscores the agency’s sustained efforts to pursue accountability in high-profile cases arising from the Manipur violence, even as the region continues to navigate a fragile path toward stability.
