Former Arunachal Pradesh Congress MLA murder case transferred to NIA

In a crucial turn of events concerning the homicide of former Congress MLA Yumsen Matey in Arunachal Pradesh, the inquiry has been redirected to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). This shift comes subsequent to a formal request made by the state police to the Arunachal Pradesh government, urging the involvement of this counter-terrorism unit.

The official decision to move the case to the NIA was affirmed by a statement released by the State Government. The Home Department of the Arunachal Pradesh administration has forwarded the case to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, seeking directives to engage the NIA. This step aims to ensure a meticulous and all-encompassing investigation into this regrettable incident.

Matey was fatally shot while attending a social event in Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh, just last week. The incident occurred in Raho village, situated near the Myanmar Border. According to the police, Matey, accompanied by three associates, was taken to a nearby forest by an unidentified individual. In the forest, he was shot dead, and the perpetrator fled towards Myanmar immediately after the attack.


Senior Tirap police officer Rahul Gupta highlighted the circumstances of the attack, stating that Matey and his associates were led into the forest, where the fatal shooting occurred, leaving Matey dead on the spot.

Though the identity of the attackers has not been disclosed by the police, suspicions suggest a possible link to the NSCN-KYA terrorist group. Authorities have initiated a search operation to apprehend the perpetrator behind the heinous act.

Yumsen Matey had a political history, having served as a Congress MLA from the 56th Khonsa West Assembly Constituency in 2009. During his tenure, he held the role of Parliamentary Secretary, overseeing the Departments of Women and Social Welfare, Social Justice, and Tribal Affairs. He later joined the BJP in 2015 and had expressed intentions to contest in the upcoming assembly polls in 2024.

The transfer of this case to the NIA marks a significant step toward ensuring a thorough investigation into the tragic demise of the former legislator.