KANNUR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested a Manipur native from Thalassery in connection with multiple cases linked to Manipur riots, including murder. Rajkumar Maipaksana, 21, was apprehended by a five-member NIA team disguised as health workers.
Rajkumar, working at a major restaurant in Thalassery town for the past two weeks, was picked up from a rented house in Keezhantimukku, Thiruvangad, where hotel workers stay. His identity was confirmed through his Aadhaar card and other documents.
According to reports, Rajkumar had reportedly undergone armed training with the banned militant outfit United National Liberation Front (UNLF). He was identified by a distinctive tattoo on his neck, just below the ear. “The NIA had been monitoring his movements for a few days. They tracked him down after he started using his mobile phone in Thalassery,” said the hotel owner.
When the NIA team arrived at the workers’ residence, other employees immediately contacted the hotel owner. “I spoke to the officers, and they told me that Rajkumar was involved in the Manipur riots and multiple murders. They also asked if we had verified his identity before hiring him,” the owner said.
The NIA reportedly recovered a fake passport from Rajkumar, who had reached Kerala last month after an unsuccessful attempt to travel abroad. Following the arrest, the NIA team shared details with Kerala Police, but no official statement has been issued regarding the operation so far.