"Tragic Autopsy Findings of Meitei Infant Kidnapped by Kuki Militants in Manipur's Jiribam

Shocking autopsy results detail the brutal murder of a 10-month-old baby and five family members in Manipur, as authorities investigate the heinous crime.

P24 News Media

November 27, 2024

1 minute

"Tragic Autopsy Findings of Meitei Infant Kidnapped by Kuki Militants in Manipur's Jiribam

India

Imphal/New Delhi: The horrifying details surrounding the tragic fate of a 10-month-old infant, among six family members kidnapped in Jiribam, Manipur, have come to light following the autopsy reports. On November 11, the baby, identified as Laishram Lamnganba Singh, was found to have suffered multiple excruciating injuries; he had been shot in the knee, stabbed in the chest, and impacted with a blunt object on the jaw, as per the findings disclosed to the family. The infant was last captured in a poignant photograph shared on a public WhatsApp channel known as 'Zogam News' shortly after the kidnapping incident, which the Manipur government has attributed to "Kuki militants." The WhatsApp group in question, which emerged earlier this year and gained a following of 12,000, has since been taken down amid ongoing investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Between November 15 and 18, all six bodies were discovered floating in a river in Jiribam. While autopsy examinations were completed for all bodies last week, only three reports were released initially, with the last three reports disseminated on the most recent day. The autopsy revealed grim findings: both of the infant’s eyeballs were absent, and the body exhibited signs of advanced decomposition, including the presence of maggots. Various abrasions were noted on the child’s face, along with a severe incision in the abdomen. The autopsy concluded that a significant "chop wound" to the chest had led to fractured ribs.

The body of 8-year-old Telem Thajamanbi Devi, also discovered within the same timeframe, was found to be in the early stages of decomposition, covered with maggots. This young girl had endured a bullet wound to her shoulder, which tragically penetrated vital organs, including her heart and lung. Autopsy findings beneathlined that her mother, Telem Thoiboi Devi, age 31, had sustained four gunshots to the chest, and her head displayed severe trauma with crushed bones and lacerations.

Previous autopsy findings concerning the infant's mother, L Heitonbi Devi, age 25, his grandmother, Y Rani Devi, age 60, and his three-year-old sibling confirmed that all were killed via gunshot wounds. Additionally, autopsy results for two elderly Meitei men killed by "Kuki militants" on the same day illustrated that they succumbed to severe burn injuries, following an assault on the local police station and subsequent arson of residences in Jiribam's Borobekra village.

Investigative authorities indicated that the 'Zogam News' WhatsApp channel was initially responsible for sharing the photo of the kidnapped family but has since been inoperative. Nevertheless, investigators are expected to compel the parent company of the messaging service, Meta, to share identifying records that could lead them to the responsible parties. Another WhatsApp channel also shared news of the tragic kidnapping only two hours after 'Zogam News', which adds to the ongoing scrutiny and investigation.

Political figures across the spectrum have voiced their outrage regarding the violence inflicted upon women and children during these events. Many have labeled the latest act of brutality as a calculated assault rather than mere communal conflict, referring to it as a premeditated abduction with fatal intent.

The cycle of violence in Jiribam reportedly intensified after an assault by suspected Meitei insurgents on a Hmar tribe village on November 7, leading to the death of a woman and widespread claims of horrific acts, including allegations of her being desecrated and burned.

The rift between the Meitei and Kuki tribes in Manipur continues to widen, with over 220 lives lost and nearly 50,000 individuals displaced amidst rising tensions. The Meitei population seeks Scheduled Tribe status, while the Kuki community demands administrative separation, emphasizing claims of discrimination and inequitable resource distribution. As this tragic chapter unfolds, the search for justice and resolution continues in Manipur.