Imphal, 19 May (HS): In a significant development in the ongoing probe into the 2024 Jiribam violence, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Rajkumar Maipaksana, a crucial accused in the case involving the killing of a woman and large-scale arson in Zairawn village.

The suspect was nabbed in Kerala’s Kannur district and is believed to be a member of the proscribed insurgent group, People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK). Following his arrest, Maipaksana was granted transit remand by the NIA Special Court in Kochi and will be presented before the designated NIA court in Imphal.

“He played a central role in the brutal assault and arson that took place in Zairawn last November, leading to the murder of Zosangkim and widespread destruction,” the agency noted in an official release.

This marks the third arrest in case RC-13/2024/NIA/IMP, after two other militants were taken into custody last week. Each of the accused is reportedly linked to different banned outfits.

The NIA emphasized that the investigation remains active, with teams working to trace and apprehend other perpetrators involved in what it termed a “horrendous crime.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash