A brazen attack on a senior Manipur police officer demands swift justice. With a co-accused now in CBI custody, the spotlight is on Korounganba Khuman, Commander-in-Chief of Arambai Tengol, whose prolonged freedom and alleged political patronage undermine public trust and the rule of law.
BY PC Bureau
On February 27, 2024, a shocking incident unfolded in Imphal East, Manipur, when an armed group, led by Korounganba Khuman, attempted to murder Addl. SP (OPS)/Imphal West, Moirangthem Amit The attack, detailed in the First Information Report (FIR No. 165(2)2024) filed at Porompat Police Station, involved the abduction of Amit, the snatching of arms and ammunition from his escort team, and damage to vehicles and property. On June 8, the CBI arrested co-accused, Kanan of Arambai Tenggol, intensifying call for the immediate arrest of its self-styled Commander-in-Chief Korounganba Khuman, the alleged mastermind.
The Imperative for Korounganba’s Arrest
The arrest of Kanan marks a critical breakthrough in this high-profile case, which falls under serious charges including attempted murder (Section 307/365/379A/427/506/34 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita [BNS], previously IPC), unlawful activities (Section 16/20 Unlawful Activities Prevention Act [UAP Act]), and arms-related offenses (Section 25(1-B)/25(1AB) Arms Act).
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Korounganba, identified as the Commander-in-Chief of the Arambai Tengol, remains at large, posing a continued threat to public safety and the judicial process. His arrest is essential to dismantle the network behind this brazen attack on a senior police officer, ensure a fair investigation, and deliver justice.
The FIR in the case makes explicit Korounganba involvement. It says, “Some unknown armed persons led by Korounganba Khuman, Robin Mangang and Kanan of Arambai Tengol and other suspected to be member of unlawful organization attempted to kill Addl. SP (OPS)/Imphal West Shri. Amit, MPS by firing toward his vehicle and residence at Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai, Imphal East District, Manipur.”
This confirms Korounganba’s direct involvement, amplifying the urgency of his arrest.
#Manipur Imphal west Addl. SP M. Amit abducted from his residence. Helpless police down arms & cease work.
Last night, Meitei militants in imphal once again assaulted the police on duty!
No law, might ruled imphal. The Supreme Court must gloves off at this point.#viralvideo pic.twitter.com/zNvzqaKQz3— Khup Lhungdim (@KhupLhungdim) February 29, 2024
Additionally, Korounganba’s arrest is critical due to the alleged patronage he enjoys from influential political figures, including the founder of Arambai Tengol, BJP MP Leishmba Sanajaoba, and former Chief Minister Biren Singh. This perceived political backing could shield him from legal consequences, allowing him to operate with impunity. Dozens of videos circulating online depict Korounganba camping in forests, armed with an AK-47 slung over his shoulder in army fatigue, surrounded by heavily armed militants. Such evidence suggests his active role in coordinating armed activities, further justifying his immediate arrest to curb his influence and dismantle the militant network.
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Legal Position in Cases of Attempted Murder of Public Officials
Attempted murder of a public official, particularly a police officer, is a grave offense under Indian law, now governed by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on July 1, 2024. Section 307 of the BNS (formerly IPC) prescribes stringent punishment, extendable to life imprisonment, if the act is committed with the intent or knowledge of causing death. When the victim is a public servant, the offense is aggravated, as seen in landmark judgments like State of Maharashtra v. Kashirao (2003), where the Supreme Court emphasized the heightened responsibility to protect law enforcement personnel due to their role in maintaining societal order. The use of arms and the involvement of a militant organization further invoke the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, which allows for severe penalties, including life imprisonment, to deter terrorism and organized crime.
Korounganba Khuman, C-in-C of the Arambai Tenggol terrorist network posing with govt issued 5.56 mm INSAS LMG along with his soldiers. These are weapons looted from govt armoury@Spearcorps @official_dgar @adgpi @NELiveTV @EastMojo @IndiaTodayNE @htTweets @TimesNow @aajtak pic.twitter.com/Q4WQiQJQ8H
— Khawchung Today (@KukiZo1437) August 16, 2023
Another significant judgment, Laxman Naik v. State of Orissa (1994), reinforced that intent to kill, coupled with a direct act towards that end, constitutes attempted murder. In this case, the coordinated attack on Shri Amit, including the snatching of police arms, clearly demonstrates such intent, justifying the pursuit of all accused, including Korounganba.
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Delay in Probing the Case: A Concern
The FIR was lodged on February 27, 2024, yet Korounganba remains free, indicating a mysterious delay in the investigation. Such delays can undermine public trust and allow perpetrators to evade justice or orchestrate further crimes. The Supreme Court, in Vinod Kumar Singh v. Union of India (2020), highlighted that expeditious investigation is crucial in cases involving public officials to prevent tampering with evidence or witness intimidation. The lapse of over a year since the incident raises questions about resource allocation, coordination between state police and central agencies like the CBI, and potential influence from political patrons. This delay underscores the urgency of apprehending Korounganba to expedite the judicial process and address systemic inefficiencies.
This is korounganba Khuman, C-in-C of militant group Arambai tenggol. The group has challenged all Central forces including the NIA against his arrest. pic.twitter.com/XquOUsI9kP
— Singh (@Duorope) June 17, 2024
NIA PROBE:
The arrest of Korounganba Khuman is not just a legal necessity but a public demand to uphold the rule of law and protect those who serve it. With Kanan’s arrest by the CBI and the evident political patronage from figures like Sanajaoba and Biren Singh, swift action is imperative to break the cycle of impunity. The viral videos of Korounganba with an AK-47 and armed militants, combined with the FIR’s explicit mention of his leadership in the attack, further highlight his threat, supported by robust legal provisions under the BNS and precedents. Addressing the delay in the probe is equally critical to ensure accountability and prevent future lapses, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding society from such heinous acts.
