IRB man on KCP (MC)'s payroll triggers blast at Pvt hospital, held, 3 hurt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 21 2009: At least three persons, including an eight year old girl, have been injured in a grenade explosion at a private hospital located in the heart of Imphal city this morning. One IRB Rifleman, reportedly involved in lobbing the hand grenade, was rounded up by the public and later handed over to police.

A press release issued by SSP Imphal West, L Kailun, said that on receiving information about the grenade attack, Imphal West commandos and Jemadar Doulat of 3rd IRB sprang into action and apprehended the culprit with the help of locals.

During sport verification, the culprit identified as T Munal s/o late Tomba of Yairipok Yambem Kamong disclosed that he lobbed the grenade at the instruction of one Ibungo of KCP (MC).

A Rifleman in 2nd IRB, Munal is presently posted at the Bn Hqs at Khuman Lampak.

The injured persons being treated at the hospital and cops inspecting the site

The hand grenade was delivered to Munal by one Mrs Abe at Sanakeithel area on August 18.He also received a sum of Rs 5000 from Mrs Abe for the 'job'.

On further questioning, Munal disclosed that he was involved in lobbing hand grenades at Shanti Hospital on July 27 and Langol View Clinic on July 28, conveyed the SSP.

The case is being investigated and necessary departmental action is being taken up against him, the SSP said.

Appreciating the assistance provided by the local people, SSP Kailun appealed to the public to help police in identifying culprits and control of such crimes in future.

At about 6.50 am today, the grenade was set off on the lane leading to Chamber Hospital, Medical Care and Research Centre, Thangal Bazar, a little distance away from City police station.

The hospital was set up by the Manipur Chamber of Commerce Trust.

Those who sustained injuries in the explosion have been identified as Guddu alias Yassica Jain (8) d/o Sanjoy Kumar Jain, Thokchom Tomba (45) s/o Ningthoubi and Md Leihaludin (20) s/o late Jaheruddin.

Yassica was playing near the blast site when the grenade went off.

Yassica and her family, hailing from Rajasthan, have been staying in rented rooms near Chamber Hospital.

She was hit by splinters on the right hand, thigh and abdomen.

The girl is currently undergoing treatment at Chamber Hospital.

Thokchom Tomba of Kongba Laishram Leikai has been staying at Chamber Hospital for his own medical treatment.

He sustained injuries on the buttock and back.

He was treated there at Chamber Hospital.

Md Leihaludin of Keirao Makting Makha Leikai was staying at Chamber Hospital as an attendant to his ailing mother.

Md Leihaludin, a student of DM College of Science, was coming out to buy medicines when the grenade exploded.

He was hurt on the left side of the face and shoulder.

He is undergoing treatment in the ICU of Shija Hospital in a critical condition.

Moments after the explosion, people succeeded in rounding up one accused of the grenade attack from the adjacent Dharamsala.

The accused turned out to be a Rifleman of 2nd IRB and he has been identified as one Tayenjam Munal (35) s/o Tomba of Yairipok Yambem Kamong.

He has been staying at Uripok in rented rooms.

He was nabbed after a brief chase by the people who were present around the area at the time of the explosion.

As per information culled from the spot, police soon took away the accused.

Usually police commandos were present on Assembly Road where no one has been allowed entry in addition to regular police patrols but no police personnel could be seen in the area this morning, said some people who were present at the blast site after the explosion.

Although, the reason and motive behind the grenade attack is still unclear, it is suspected that the attack might be related to monetary demands.

Notably, according to a press release issued by information and public relation officer of KCP-MC Puranthaba on August 16, the outfit hurled a hand grenade at Chamber Hospital on August 15.Puranthaba also explained that attack was launched against the stubborn defiance of private hospitals/clinics to follow the rules and regulations laid down by the party.