Imphal, Jan 21: A shocking murder has shaken Imphal West district after a 78-year-old woman was found dead inside her own home, brutally killed in what police suspect was a premeditated attack. The crime came to light on the afternoon of January 19 when residents of Singjamei Oinam Thingel discovered her body hidden beneath a bed, wrapped in clothes.
The victim has been identified as Oinam (ningol) Thoibi Devi, also known as Pishakcha, a long-time resident of the locality. Family members said she had been missing since Saturday, but the alarm was raised after neighbours noticed she had not been seen for an unusually long time. Acting on information shared by relatives, locals entered her house and made the horrifying discovery.
Police from Singjamei Police Station, accompanied by forensic experts, reached the spot and carried out an inquest in the presence of an Executive Magistrate. Preliminary findings revealed signs of extreme violence, with multiple stab injuries reported on her face and body. Investigators also noted that her throat had been slit and fingers of her right hand severed, pointing to a savage assault.
After the on-site examination, the body was sent to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) morgue for post-mortem to determine the exact cause and time of death. A murder case has been registered, and police have launched an intensive investigation to track down those responsible.
The killing has triggered anger and fear among residents of the area. A meeting was convened at the Eikhoigee Club premises in Oinam Thingel, where locals strongly condemned the crime. The gathering resolved to form a Joint Action Committee named the Joint Action Committee Against Brutal Killing of Oinam (ningol) Thoibi alias Pishakcha to demand swift justice.
Community members also adopted a resolution calling for the expulsion of the accused and their family from the locality once those involved are identified, reflecting the depth of outrage over the brutal killing of an elderly woman within her own home.
