Kolkata (August 23, 2026): Key accused in the 2021 Churachandpur ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy that killed Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife and their son, as well as four jawans, was apprehended in Manipur on Sunday.
The accused had been identified as Balin alias Thiyam Boycha Singh, a self-styled Captain of the outlawed People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a Meitei militant outfit active in Manipur. He carried a bounty of Rs 4 lakh.
The attack of November 13, 2021, is considered among one of the deadliest in the state. Col Tripathi, the commanding officer of 46 Assam Rifles, his wife, son and four jawans died at Thinghat in Churachandpur district close to the Myanmar border.
The attack took place around 10.30 am when the Colonel and his family were returning from a visit to a forward camp in the Singhat sub-division of the district, where a community outreach programme had been organised.
The militants first triggered an IED blast followed by indiscriminate firing, official sources said.
“Five soldiers, including Col Viplav Tripathi, have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The family of Commanding Officer i.e wife and child also lost their lives in the incident. DG and all ranks of Assam Rifles offer condolences to the brave soldiers and families of the deceased,” the Assam Rifles had said in a statement.
The convoy was passing by Sehken village in Singngat subdivision when the IED blast set them up for a volley of indiscriminate firing from the forested hillside that not only felled the Army officer from Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh but also his wife Anuja and their son Abir. The four other Assam Rifles personnel killed in the ush were identified as Suman Swargiari, Khatnei Konyak, RP Meena and Shyamal Das. Four personnel in the convoy were critically injured.
The PLA and Manipur Naga People’s Front (MNPF) had claimed responsibility for the strike later in the evening.
Col Tripathi was on deputation from the Army’s Kumaon Regiment. His wife was not traveling with him for pleasure. The CO’s wife is expected to be present during such community outreach programmes.
The Colonel’s vehicle was clearly targeted. The IED exploded under it and the shots were aimed at him and his family. Officials had then said that he was targeted as he had stepped up patrolling in the area and was organising civic action programmes to keep the general population away from militancy.
“Strongly condemn the attack on the Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur. I pay homage to those soldiers and family members who have been martyred today. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of sadness,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh had called it a “cowardly attack.” “The nation has lost five brave soldiers, including CO of 46 AR and two family members…The perpetrators will be brought to justice soon,” he had said.
After the capture of the accused, the Army’s Eastern Command posted: “Strengthening peace and security in Manipur, under the aegis of Eastern Command, Assam Rifles formation under Spear Corps in coordination with Manipur Police, conducted a joint intelligence-based operation in Thoubal District, Manipur. The operation led to the apprehension of SS Capt Balin alias Thiyam Boycha Singh, an active PLA cadre carrying an NIA bounty of Rs 4 lakh. The apprehended individual is a key accused in the 2021 Churachandpur ambush case of Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his family members and security forces. The successful operation reaffirms the resolve of security forces to disrupt insurgent networks and safeguard peace and stability in Manipur.”
Balin will be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for questioning and necessary legal action. Officials believe that his interrogation will lead to more people involved in the attack.
