Imphal: Manipur Police and security forces, in a series of coordinated operations on May 23 and 24, have significantly ramped up their efforts against criminal elements across the state. The widespread crackdown led to the apprehension of an active insurgent and the dismantling of a sophisticated counterfeit gold racket, besides other law enforcement drives.
Acting on specific intelligence, a team successfully nabbed Moirangthem Hemba Singh alias Laiba, a 25-year-old active member of the KCP (Apunba) outfit. Laiba, who hails from Pungdongbam Mayai Leikai in Imphal East District, was apprehended near the eastern side of Sawombung Bridge, falling under the jurisdiction of Lamlai Police Station. A mobile phone was also seized from his possession, indicating his continued involvement in the outfit’s activities.
In a separate, yet equally crucial operation, three individuals allegedly involved in a large-scale counterfeit gold operation were arrested from the Hangoon area, under Mayang Imphal Police Station in Kakching District. The accused have been identified as Shivaji Gaikwad (39) and Jalindar Shamrao Jadhav (42), both from Sangli, Maharashtra, and Ramdas Tanaji Khandare (37) from Howrah, West Bengal. Investigations suggest the trio was deeply embroiled in a criminal conspiracy, utilizing specialized equipment to produce counterfeit gold bars with the intent to defraud the public. Authorities confiscated a significant cache of tools from their possession, including a hydraulic machine, a melting machine, graphite crucibles, tongs, carbon rods, and bottles of nitric acid, all indicative of a professional counterfeiting setup.
Concurrently, the Manipur Police continued their dedicated drive against vehicle thefts, managing to recover one stolen vehicle. In an ongoing effort to enforce traffic regulations and enhance road safety, 13 vehicles were also found to have tinted glasses, which were subsequently removed.
Further demonstrating their commitment to maintaining peace and order, search and area domination operations were meticulously conducted across vulnerable hill and valley areas of the state. These operations were complemented by the establishment of 111 checkpoints across various districts, though no detentions were reported during these checks.
In a move to ensure the smooth flow of essential commodities and maintain supply lines, the movement of 217 vehicles carrying vital goods along NH-37 was secured. Security convoys were strategically deployed in sensitive stretches of the highway, ensuring their safe passage and mitigating any potential threats.
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