The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday chargesheeted two accused, including the main conspirator, in the June 2023 Kwakta (Manipur) vehicle borne IED blast case, in which three persons were injured and several public and private properties were damaged.
According to a NIA pressnote, Md. Noor Hussain @ Tomba @ Md Nur Hasan and Seiminlun Gangte @ Minlun have been charged under various sections of IPC, UA(P) Act, Explosive Substances Act 1908 and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
The duo was found involved in the blast that took place on a culvert/bridge, adjoining the area of Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Leikai and Kwakta, along Tiddim Road (NH-02), in Kwakta Ward No.07 (KMC), Bishnupur, Manipur.
The explosion, triggered by a bomb-fitted Mahindra Scorpio SUV, took place at around 7.10 pm on June 21, 2023. The blast damaged the bridge, electric pole, electrical assets and surrounding houses, and also injured three persons.
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NIA investigations in the case (RC-01/2023/NIA/IMP) led to the arrest of Md. Noor Hussain on October 16, 2023, and revealed that he had driven the IED borne Mahindra Scropio SUV and parked it over the targeted bridge at Kwakta, while his co-passenger initiated the detonating mechanism of the IED.
Seiminlun Gangte, who was arrested on November 2, 2023, was identified as the key conspirator. As per NIA investigations, he had conspired, along with other accomplices, to blow off the bridge with the intent to strike terror and to cut off the movement of security forces, people and supply of commodities.
To accomplish the conspiracy, Seiminlun Gangte had recruited his associates for reconnaissance of the targeted area and to execute the actual explosion. Further investigations are continuing to trace other absconding accused involved in the case.
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