Manipur UNLF team ‘probes’ hotel rape, shoots accused in leg as punishment | Latest India News

IMPAL: Banned militant group in Manipur on Monday said it shot a 30-year-old man in the leg to punish him for raping a 28-year-old woman in an Imphal hotel on January 10.

In a statement, the Koireng faction of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) said that after investigation, the punishment was meted out to 30-year-old Khaidem Nongdam Khanganba from Imphal West district.

The rape victim was staying alone in an Imphal hotel after returning to the state from Delhi.

The statement said Khanganba, who was at the hotel to celebrate her birthday, impersonated a hotel employee to enter her room and then refused to leave. He ordered alcohol and urged her to drink. When she refused, Khanganba attacked and then raped her.

The unit said it sent a special team after receiving information about a sexual assault, which indicated that the man was guilty.

“Khanganba confessed to the crime. Taking into account his testimony, the UNLF did not decide on a more severe punishment. The statement emphasized the organization’s commitment to combating crimes against women and children and called on society to support these efforts,” the statement reads.

When asked, a police official confirmed that Khanganba was admitted to Shija Hospital on Sunday around 11 p.m., but did not comment on the rape case. On Monday, Khanganba underwent surgery for a gunshot wound.

The UNLF faction led by RK Achou Singh alias Koireng opposes talks with the government. The second faction is led by Khundongbam Pambei concluded a tripartite peace agreement along with central and state governments in November 2023