KCP-N bans Manipur influencer, grenade found at her shop

Imphal: Manipur police defused a live hand grenade found at the doorstep of a shop owned by a social media influencer, RK Ichalthoi, in Imphal West district on Sunday night.

Security footage captured the incident, showing an unidentified individual placing the explosive device and fleeing the scene.

This attack follows a recent ban imposed on RK Ichalthoi by the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party - Nongdrenkhomba (KCP-N) for her alleged support of anti-social elements.

The group issued a statement prohibiting Ichalthoi from using social media platforms for a year and attending public events. They also warned of severe consequences if she continued to tarnish the organization's reputation.

The KCP-N accused Ichalthoi of interfering in the case of K Romario, a man shot and injured by an underground group on October 5. They claimed Romario had sexually exploited multiple Manipuri girls.

Before the grenade incident, Ichalthoi had reported threats and attempted abduction by armed miscreants on October 12.

Five individuals, including two women, arrived in a vehicle and tried to abduct her from her shop while she was live-streaming on Facebook. They brandished a pistol, snatched her phone, and fled.

Ichalthoi and the Women's Wing of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) have strongly condemned the abduction attempt and threats against the social media influencer.