The Imphal Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate has remanded James Kuki, the primary suspect in the high-profile kidnapping and murder of 8-year-old Lungnila Elizabeth, to judicial custody until July 7. Kuki, alias Letsei Haokip, was arrested by CBI officials from Dimapur on June 10 and was subsequently brought before the Court after an initial period of police custody.
The tragic incident dates back to November 4, 2003, when Lungnila, daughter of the then Education Minister Francis Ngajokpa, was kidnapped for ransom near her school. Her body was found eight days later, sparking public outrage. Following extensive protests, the case was handed over to the CBI.
Kuki, who had previously fled the state, was later detained by the NSCN (IM) in Dimapur. The CBI continues to investigate the case, with additional suspects still at large. James Kuki is also facing charges in a separate extortion case, as confirmed by police sources.
