Armed Militants Rob Rajasthan Players in Manipur During National School Championship

JAIPUR: Rajasthan’s team participating in the 69th National School Championship in Manipur was allegedly stopped and robbed by armed militants while traveling between Dimapur and Imphal. Officials have ordered an investigation into the incident.

According to reports, the team was traveling by road from Dimapur to Imphal on the night of January 13. Around 12:30 AM, a group of armed individuals reportedly stopped the team’s vehicle, threatened the players, and looted cash from them. The players were allegedly held in a situation resembling captivity for nearly two hours. Fortunately, no one was physically harmed during the incident.

Players Share Their Ordeal

Following the incident, some team members released a video sharing their experience, which brought the matter to public attention. In response, the Manipur government has instructed a formal investigation. The players’ families have also lodged a complaint with Rajasthan’s Education Minister, highlighting inadequate travel arrangements. Of the 52 selected players, train tickets were reportedly arranged for only 24, and these were not confirmed, forcing some players to travel in train corridors and near bathrooms. Families expressed concern over safety, particularly as the team included a large number of female athletes.

Coach Confirms Safety of Players

Team coach Sohanram confirmed that all players are safe and that no one was physically injured. The team had departed Dholpur on January 11 and faced delays in their train journey from Delhi to Dimapur, arriving on the evening of January 13. Coach Sohanram also clarified that the player shown speaking in the video had arrived separately by flight and was not present with the team during the incident. Some players have already returned to Rajasthan.

Manipur Government Orders Investigation

Following the video release, the Manipur government directed the Superintendent of Police in Imphal to investigate the case. Officials from Senapati and Kangpokpi districts have also been asked to assist. The order emphasizes verifying the authenticity of the video and taking prompt legal action. Efforts to obtain an official response from the Rajasthan Education Department are ongoing.