Manipur Police arrest two SOREPA extortionists, seize weapons & Rs 3.9 lakh cash

Imphal: Security forces arrested two extortionists allegedly linked to the proscribed Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA) and recovered a substantial cache of weapons along with Rs 3.9 lakh in cash, the police reported on Tuesday.

Arambam Thoithoi Singh (41), a resident of Khurai Nandeibam Leikai in Imphal East district, was first arrested from the Changangei area near the entrance gate of Imphal Airport.

Based on his disclosure, security personnel arrested Chungkham Nanao Macha, also known as Mitlang (24), of Red Cross Road Hill Town in Churachandpur district, who was currently taking shelter at the Moirang College Relief Camp in Bishnupur district. He was apprehended from the Ningthemkol area in Bishnupur district.

From their possession, the following items were recovered:
i. Three mobile handsets
ii. Two Aadhaar cards
iii. One two-wheeler vehicle
iv. A sum of Rs 3,90,500

In the second phase of the operation launched on Monday, the security forces recovered the following items from Ngairangbam Mayai Lambi Loukon under Patsoi Police Station, Imphal West district:
i. Two single-barrel guns
ii. One stun grenade
iii. One smoke grenade
iv. One 36-HE grenade without a detonator
v. One SMG (Carbine) empty magazine
vi. Five rounds of 7.62 mm AK ammunition
vii. Fourteen rounds of 5.56 mm INSAS ammunition
viii. Five rounds of .303 ammunition
ix. Two Baofeng radio sets with chargers
x. Thirty rounds of 7.62 mm SLR ammunition
xi. Three helmets
xii. Two 16 mm signal cartridges

The police added that the arrested individuals, along with the seized items, were handed over to the concerned police stations for necessary legal action.