KCP (PWG) arrests now widen Imphal grenade probe

KCP (PWG) arrests in Imphal have followed an investigation into an alleged plan to plant hand grenades at Shija Hospital in Langol, authorities said on September 19.

A joint operation involving the CDO/Imphal East and 33 Assam Rifles first arrested Longjam Romen Singh, 45, at Lamphel Super Market in Imphal West on September 18. Investigators later arrested his 28-year-old stepdaughter, Baby Sanabam alias Babysana, on September 19. Both have been described as alleged active members of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), or KCP (PWG).

Arrests follow hospital grenade case

The KCP (PWG) arrests are linked to an August 31 incident at Shija Hospital and Research Institute in Langol. A suspected live grenade was found near a public toilet on the hospital premises at about 7.30 am.

A bomb disposal team of the Manipur Police secured the area and recovered the grenade safely. No casualties or accidental detonation were reported. Police registered a case and began investigating who placed the explosive and whether an underground group was involved.

According to the investigation cited by authorities, Sanabam allegedly instructed Romen Singh to place hand grenades at the hospital. She allegedly offered him Rs 30,000 for carrying out the act. These claims remain allegations and have not been established by a court.

Investigators trace alleged roles

The KCP (PWG) arrests followed the probe into the hospital incident. According to the security agencies, investigators first detained Romen Singh and then examined information that led to Sanabam’s arrest the following day.

Authorities said the two suspects were being questioned to establish their individual roles and determine whether other people were connected to the alleged plan. The investigation is continuing, and no further arrests or wider links had been confirmed in the reports available on September 19.

Security personnel also seized three mobile phones and a Mahindra Thar SUV during the operation, according to reports.

Fresh grenade recovery in Imphal

The KCP (PWG) arrests came as another grenade-related incident was reported in Imphal East. On September 19, police recovered a live hand grenade from the gate of a resident at Khergao Awang Sabal Leikai.

According to police reports cited by Northeast Now, the grenade had been secured to the gate with an iron chain. A laminated press note carrying three names was also found beside it. Police said no insurgent group had claimed responsibility for that incident at the time of reporting.

The separate recovery adds to recent security concerns involving explosives in and around Imphal. However, authorities have not publicly established a link between the Khergao incident and the Shija Hospital case.

What the probe will establish

Investigators will need to distinguish between allegations made during the inquiry and evidence that can be presented in court. That includes establishing who arranged the alleged placement, whether the grenade recovered at the hospital was connected to the suspects, and what communications passed between them.

The KCP (PWG) arrests are therefore significant to the ongoing inquiry, but available reports do not establish that the suspects carried out the alleged act.

The group has featured in several recent security operations in Manipur involving alleged extortion and the recovery or planting of hand grenades. However, each case must be assessed separately unless investigators establish a direct connection.

Investigation remains underway

The KCP (PWG) arrests have placed the focus on the alleged hospital grenade plot and the roles investigators say the two suspects may have played. Officials are continuing to examine the evidence and possible links to the case.

Authorities have not disclosed the sections of law invoked against the two suspects. The arrests do not amount to a finding of guilt at this stage. Any charges brought against them will have to be tested through the legal process.

Meanwhile, investigators are expected to establish the sequence of events, verify the alleged payment arrangement and determine whether additional individuals were involved.

For now, the investigation remains active, and authorities have not disclosed a final account of the alleged plot.

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