The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday arrested a 22-year-old man from Pune suspected to be the mastermind behind the abduction and killing of two Meitei students in July. The accused has been sent to CBI custody till October 16.
According to officials, a special investigation team of the CBI arrested Paolunmang from Pune on Wednesday. Later, he was produced before Guwahati court.
According to CBI, Paolunmang orchestrated the whole plan.
In connection with the case, the central agency had arrested two men, Paominlun Haokip and Smalsawm Haokip, and two women, Lhingneichong Baitekuki and Tinneilhing Henthang, on October 1. This is the fifth arrest made in connection with the case.
Phijam Hemanjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17), had gone missing on July 6. Several parts of Manipur witnessed protests, mainly by students, when photos purportedly showing their bodies surfaced on September 25.
The father of the minor girl had filed a complaint with the Manipur Police saying she did not return home from her coaching centre at the usual time in July.
During the investigation, the police found that on July 6, the accused as well as the victim girl were pushed inside a four-wheeler vehicle and taken by some Kuki armed miscreants. CCTV footages in the area was investigated by the police leading to the accused.
On the request of the Manipur government, CBI registered two cases on August 23 and took over the investigation.