The body of Chesam Abdul Kadir, a 29-year-old resident of Paobitek Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district, was recovered on Monday from the banks of the Nambul River near Naorem Maning, Samurou. The recovery follows a police investigation into his disappearance, which was reported earlier this month. Chesam Abdul a mentally challenge person was reported missing since June 11.
According to Manipur Police, the body was exhumed in the presence of an executive magistrate, forensic experts, and family members after revelations during the investigation indicated that Kadir had been murdered and secretly buried. A criminal case has been registered, and the police have assured that a thorough investigation is in progress.
So far, nine suspects, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the case. Among those apprehended are individuals reportedly linked to the Meitei socio-cultural organisation Arambai Tenggol. Police have also seized five vehicles believed to be involved in the crime: three Gypsies, one DI Pick-up, and one Activa scooter.
The arrested include Heikrujam Prafulo Singh (35), from Yumnam Huidrom Makha Leikai, where Kadir was allegedly detained. He was remanded to police custody until June 23. Additional arrests include Longjam Henson alias Naocha Meitei (24), Thounaojam Ashok Singh (20), Huidrom Shyamsunder Singh (30), Heikrujam Premchand alias Puremba (28), and Sapam Dayani Devi (42). All are residents of Yumnam Huidrom and surrounding areas and have been similarly remanded.
Three more Arambai Tenggol members—Huidrom Somokanta Singh, Huidrom Dipak Singh, and Thingujam Ranjit Singh—were arrested on June 15 in connection with the case.
The police have appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation, urging citizens not to spread or believe in rumours.
Meanwhile, the case has sparked outrage across the state, particularly among the Meitei Pangal (Muslim) community. The Manipur Meitei Pangal Welfare Organisation (MMWO) has condemned the alleged kidnapping and murder, with Secretary General Firoz Khan calling for stringent punishment for all involved.
President of the Manipur Federal Organization, Boboi Korimayum, released a statement expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. He claimed that the incident was a reflection of the broader collapse of governance and criticised the state administration’s failure to ensure security.
Boboi alleged that the minority Meitei Muslim community was being unfairly targeted and called for the immediate intervention of the Government of India, stating that democracy in the state was under severe threat.
He described Abdul Kadir’s death as a case of murder disguised as suicide and stressed that the deceased had visible signs of torture. He urged the government to treat the case as a serious criminal matter and deliver justice swiftly.
Social worker Sakir Ahmed also strongly condemned the killing, noting that Abdul Kadir was a mute and disabled individual. He termed the act a “heartless crime” and linked it to a disturbing pattern of violence—including killings, abductions, and extortion—reported in Manipur’s valley areas over the past two years. Ahmed appealed to the Governor and the Centre for immediate intervention to ensure justice for the victim.