DEC 30, 2025: An irate mob vandalised the residence of Sh. Kananbala alias Dhaneshwori (41), a resident of Yairipok Bishnunaha Bamol Leirak, Thoubal district, who was one of the two prime suspects arrested by police on Sunday in connection with the murder case of one Khaidem Ongbi Chaoba Devi (26) from Wangoi.
The incident took place at around 1.30 pm on Tuesday after a large group of irate men and women from Chaoba’s birthplace thronged the prime suspect Kananbala’s residence and vandalised the home. Later, a police team rushed to the spot to keep the situation under control.
It may be mentioned here that prime suspect Sh. Kananbala alias Dhaneshwori (41), d/o (L) Bihari of Yairipok Bishnunaha Bamol Leirak, and Moirangthem Dhanajit (29), son of Jugindro of Langathel Laikhom Bazar, presently staying at Nongpok Keithelmanbi Awang Leikai, were arrested by the investigating team of the murder case from their respective places on December 28.
Both of them were produced before the Court of Judicial Magistrate, First Class, Imphal West 1, by a team from the Wangoi Police Station on Monday. After hearing the submission of an APP of the State and on perusal of the remand prayer submitted by the police, the Court remanded the two accused to police custody for 11 days till January 8 for smooth investigation of the case.
It may be mentioned that Khaidem Ongbi Chaoba Devi was found dead in a suspicious manner on the morning of December 27 within the compound of Ibudhou Pakhangba at Thiyam Leishangkhong, Thiyam Leikai, after she reportedly went missing on the night of December 26.
Meanwhile, the Wangkhem Youth Club has urged the Manipur Police to clarify the residential address of Sh. Kananbala alias Dhaneshwori, aged 41, who has been identified by the police as being involved in the murder of Khaidem Ongbi Chaoba Devi of Wangoi. The police had reportedly stated that the accused is from Yairipok Wangkhem, a claim that has caused confusion among the local residents.
In a written memorandum submitted to the Yairipok Police Station, signed by S. Premchandra, Secretary of the Wangkhem Youth Club, it was highlighted that a Facebook post on the official Manipur Police page dated December 28 incorrectly listed the fourth accused, Sh. Kananbala alias Dhaneshwori, as a resident of Yairipok Wangkhem.
The memorandum stated that this misinformation has created confusion among villagers and negatively affected the reputation of the village.
After conducting its own investigation, the Youth Club confirmed that the accused is not from Yairipok Wangkhem. The Club has urged the authorities to provide the correct address to prevent further confusion.
