Three siblings allegedly involved in the killing of Naphai Village chief Zilhem Khongsai under district Saikul Sub-division in Kangpokpi district were remanded to a 15-day judicial custody and sent to Sajiwa Central Jail on Friday, sources said.
The police said village chief Zilhem Khongsai, 57, was shot by armed miscreants after he was called out from his residence at around 11.30 pm on June 6. He was found critically injured at a distance of around 300 metres from his house. Family members rushed him to CHC Saikul, but he succummed to his injuries at 1.15 am on June 7.
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In connection with the incident, Saikul Police Station had registered a case. During the investigations, three sons of (Late) Jilkhojam Khongsai who is the elder brother of the victim Zilhem Khongsai were arrested on June 8.
The three siblings are Jamlal Khongsai ,40, Thangkhohao Khongsai, 37, and Paomang Khongsai ,36. Saikul Police also confiscated three single barrel guns during the investigation.
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On the evening of June 8, the trio was produced before the Duty Magistrate and remanded to a 10-day custody for smooth investigation. They were produced before JMIC Kangpokpi on Friday and further remanded to a 15-day judicial custody, and sent to Sajiwa Central Jail.
According to police, the prime motive of the crime appears to be a ploy to take over the village chief’s position.