Manipur: One dead in fatal gunfire at musical night in Thoubal, three CRPF personnel injured in blast

A 24-year-old man died of pellet injuries following a reported brawl during a musical concert in Manipur’s Thoubal district, while three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured in a separate bomb attack in Imphal West, officials said on Monday, October 19.

The two incidents occurred late on Sunday night amid heightened security concerns in the state.

The deceased, identified as Thokchom Rakesh, sustained pellet injuries around 11 pm during a musical night organised in connection with a local football match at Khangabok-III, Cherapur Leikai, near Sangaiyumpham in Thoubal district.

According to officials, a brawl reportedly broke out between members of the Meitei and Muslim communities during the event. Rakesh was allegedly hit by pellets fired from a double-barrel gun by unidentified miscreants. He later succumbed to his injuries.

A senior police officer told India Today that the exact cause of the incident, including where and how it originated, had not yet been established. An investigation is underway.

Following the incident, Thoubal District Magistrate Yumnam Robita issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, restricting the movement of people outside their residences in the revenue villages of Sangaiyumpham and Khangabok from 11 pm on October 18 until further orders.

The order was issued following a report from the district superintendent of police warning of a possible breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquillity and danger to human life and property.

The restrictions exempt government agencies, essential services, including electricity, medical and water supply, and security forces engaged in maintaining law and order.

While, Khangabok people come out in the street and blocked the road demanding to produce culprit who fire gun in public area.

In a separate incident, three CRPF personnel were injured in a bomb blast near Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West district late on Sunday night.

The injured personnel, belonging to the E Company of the CRPF’s 189th Battalion stationed at Kakwa Lamdaibung Lampak, were identified as C Poonambalm, 58, Ramesh Kumar, 57, and Pabitra Kumar Jena, 56.

The explosion occurred around 11.41 pm, approximately 500 metres south of Singjamei Police Station, officials said.

The injured personnel were immediately evacuated to a private hospital in Imphal, where they are undergoing treatment.

Police said the circumstances surrounding the blast were yet to be ascertained. No unlawful organisation has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

The latest incident comes less than two weeks after a CRPF personnel posted at a Rapid Action Force (RAF) outpost in New Lambulane, Imphal East district, was injured in a bomb attack on October 8.