Suspect In Manipur Ambush That Killed Colonel, Wife And Son In 2021 Arrested

A suspected insurgent allegedly linked to the 2021 ambush that killed an Assam Rifles Commanding Officer, his wife, their young son and four personnel has been arrested in Manipur's Thoubal district, security sources said.

A joint team of Thoubal CDO and 11 Assam Rifles arrested 28-year-old Thiyam Boycha Singh alias Balin during a search operation at Lilong Ushoipokpi on Saturday.

Singh, a resident of Bishnupur Ward No. 8, was allegedly identified as a “Captain” of an insurgent outfit. The operation was conducted following intelligence inputs about his presence in the area.

During questioning, investigators found that Singh was allegedly part of the team involved in the November 13, 2021, ambush on a convoy of 46 Assam Rifles near Sehken village in Behiang, Churachandpur district, according to security agencies.

Singh is listed as Accused No. 3 in the case being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and had been declared an absconder.

The ambush targeted a convoy of 46 Assam Rifles near Sehken village on November 13, 2021.

The unit's Commanding Officer, Colonel Viplav Tripathi, was killed in the attack along with his wife, Anuja, and their young son, Abeer. Four Assam Rifles personnel were also killed.

Following the attack, the Centre directed the NIA to take over the investigation on November 26, 2021. The agency registered the case on November 27.

The NIA subsequently identified 10 accused persons in connection with the case.

On January 6, 2022, the agency announced cash rewards totalling Rs 50 lakh for information leading to their arrest. Rewards of Rs 8 lakh each were announced for two accused, Rs 6 lakh for another and Rs 4 lakh each for seven others.

Singh was among those named in the NIA's reward notice, with a reward of Rs 4 lakh announced for information leading to his arrest.

With Singh's arrest, another accused who had remained on the run in the NIA case has been taken into custody.

Investigators are now questioning him to establish his alleged role in the 2021 ambush and determine whether he can provide further information about the wider conspiracy and other accused persons.

Further investigation is underway.