A tragic occurrence has emerged in Manipur, where a seven-year-old internally displaced girl was found deceased less than a day after she was reported missing. The incident has garnered significant attention and concern across the region. The body of the girl, who had been living at a relief camp in Imphal East, was discovered under a bridge in the Singjamei area.

The child originally hails from Moreh, and her disappearance was reported by her family on the evening of Sunday, January 31, 2025. Following the filing of a police complaint around 7 pm, law enforcement promptly initiated a search operation.

Police forces from the Imphal East and Imphal West districts collaborated on the investigation, drawing on the expertise of senior officers. They reviewed CCTV footage from the surrounding areas, which proved crucial in identifying a potential suspect in the case.

Arrest and Investigation

Authorities subsequently detained a 28-year-old man named Laishram Lanngamba, who also originates from Moreh and was residing in a relief camp. His arrest took place on the night of the girl’s disappearance. During the course of the investigation and interrogation, he allegedly admitted to abducting, sexually assaulting, and ultimately murdering the child.

Following his confession, police recovered the body in the early hours of Monday, February 1, 2025. The remains were then transported to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences for a post-mortem examination. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under several pertinent sections, including those outlined in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Laishram Lanngamba was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Imphal East under tight security measures, and the court has assigned him to police custody for five days to facilitate further investigation. Police emphasized the need for custodial interrogation to elucidate the sequence of events surrounding the incident and to assess the involvement of any other individuals.

Community Response and Support Efforts

The tragic nature of this case has led residents of the relief camp to express their outrage, leading to a protest outside the Irilbung Police Station on Monday morning. The demonstrators called for stringent punitive measures against the accused. The protest escalated, prompting security forces to deploy tear gas in an effort to disperse the crowd.

In response to the incident, officials from the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights, led by chairperson Keisham Pradipkumar, visited the victim’s family to offer condolences and support. Additionally, members of the Child Welfare Committee from the Social Welfare Department engaged with the family to evaluate their situation and ensure they receive necessary assistance.

As investigations continue, law enforcement remains committed to thoroughly examining all facets of this deeply distressing case to ensure that justice is served. The community remains on high alert, with many residents advocating for stronger measures to prevent such specific incidents in the future.

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