Soldier On Leave Kidnapped From His Home In Manipur, Killed

Body of a soldier of the Indian Army was found at Khuningthek village, east of Mongjam in Imphal East. The soldier was recognised as Sepoy Serto Thangthang Kom.

Sepoy Kom, who was on leave at his home in Manipur, was kidnapped by some unidentified people on Saturday. His 10-year-old son who was the only eyewitness to the crime reportedly informed the police that three men entered their home while his father and he were working on the porch. The men placed a pistol on Sepoy Kom's head and forced him into a white vehicle.

According to the police officials, Sepoy Kom was kidnapped by the armed men from his home around 10 AM yesterday.

The police found his body on Sunday at Khuningthek village, east of Mongjam in Imphal East. His brother and brother-in-law identified the body and confirmed by spotting a single bullet wound on his head.

Sepoy Kom who hailed from Tarung in Imphal West was survived by his wife, daughter and son.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence, Nagaland, Manipur And Rest of Arunachal Pradesh took to platform X, formerly Twitter, "An Indian Army soldier, Sep Serto Thangthang Kom (41), was abducted & later killed, by 3 unidentified miscreants, while on leave at Tarung, Happy Valley, Imphal West. He was deployed at DSC Platoon, Leimakhong, Manipur. He is survived by his wife & 2 children." .

A statement by the Army read, "We strongly condemn the killing of Sep Serto Thangthang Kom and stand by his family in these difficult times."

The last rites of Sepoy Kom shall be conducted as per the wishes of the family, as per an official statement. Reportedly, Army has rushed a team to assist the family in all manners possible.