Imphal: Manipur Police have arrested four active cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP-PWG) and one cadre of the PREPAK (PRO) organization in a major crackdown on extortion networks in Imphal West district.
The arrests were made on February 12, 2025, following intelligence-based operations in Kameng Sabal and Singjamei Okram Leikai.
The arrested individuals, identified as Takhelmayum Victor (23), Huidrom Vikash Singh (25), Oinam Naocha (19), and Awungshi John (33), were apprehended from a camp in Kameng Sabal under Lamsang Police Station.
Authorities allege that the group had been extorting money from local businesses, stone crushers, pharmacies, and government employees.
During the operation, police recovered three .32 pistols, two 9mm pistols, ammunition, 113 extortion slips, communication equipment, and two two-wheelers used in their criminal activities.
In a separate raid, police arrested Pebam Dhakeshor Singh (51), an active cadre of PREPAK (PRO), from Singjamei Okram Leikai under Singjamei Police Station.
Singh was allegedly using a mobile phone provided by an associate to demand money from residents. Police seized a mobile phone, Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, and a notebook containing records of extortion demands.
An FIR has been registered at Porompat Police Station against those involved in the fraudulent sale of activated SIM cards using fake identities, which were being misused by underground elements for extortion and intimidation. Investigations revealed that some victims were unaware that SIM cards had been issued in their names.
Manipur Police have warned that further raids are ongoing and have urged mobile service providers to strengthen verification protocols to prevent misuse. Authorities have also cautioned that strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible for issuing SIM cards without proper verification.
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