Speeding van knocks down displaced girl to death

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 5 : In an apparent case of hit and run, a displaced girl student was knocked down to death by a speeding van while another student escaped with injuries.
The tragic incident happened at Sawombung, Imphal East a little past 11.30 am today.
The deceased victim has been identified as Ngangbam Sanathoi d/o Ngangbam Sobha.
She was a resident of Sanakeithel, Ukhrul but following the May 3, 2023 violence, her family left their home and have been staying at Sawombung relief camp.
She was reading in Class V at Success School, Chingarel.
The injured victim has been identified as Sagolsem Lanchenbi d/o S Naobi of Wairi Mamang Leikai, Imphal East.
Lanchenbi is reading in Class III at Success School. She is currently undergoing treatment at Babina Hospital.
Sources said that Sanathoi, Lanchenbi and another student were coming back home on foot along Imphal-Ukhrul road after giving their final exam.
As they reached Sawombung area, a van moving at high speed from the direction of Imphal knocked down Sanathoi and Lanchenbi.
After being knocked down, both Sanathoi and Lanchenbi lay unconscious on the ground. Even as some people of the area took the two minor girls to Babina Hospital, Sanathoi was declared dead by the doctor.
On the other hand, the van driver who knocked down Sanathoi and Lanchenbi has been arrested by a team of Lamlai police station along with the van.
He has been identified as Maringmei Lanthaorung Kabui s/o (late) M Tomba Kabui of Leimapokpam Keiren Kabui.
Lamlai police have also registered a case in connection with the tragic incident.
Meanwhile, the State Government has announced a relief assistance of Rs five lakh to the next of kin of deceased Ngangbam Sanathoi.
The State Government has also expressed deep sorrow and profound grief over the tragic incident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, said a press release issued by Commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar. The State Government has also expressed solidarity with the injured student and her family during this difficult time.
On the other hand, the man who sped away after knocking down an individual to death at Babu Bazar, Thoubal on December 2 has been arrested by Thoubal police along with the vehicle.
He has been identified as Oinam Herojit of Nambol Maibam Chingning Makha Leikai.
With the driver arrested, the family of the deceased victim has decided to claim the victim’s body which remained unclaimed.