Imphal: Manipur Police have arrested a police constable, and another person allegedly for extorting money, looting mobile phones, and threatening the public with toy guns.
They were produced before a duty magistrate on Sunday and remanded to 10 days’ police custody.
The police constable was Khulakpam Amumacha, 38, of Yairipok Tulihal Makha Leikai, Thoubal district and his companion was identified as Tampakmayum Arshad, 25, of Yairipok Tulihal Idigah Manak, of the same district.
Amumacha, officials confirmed on Sunday, is a constable currently attached to the CID (Special Branch) from Bishnupur district.
The arrests came after the two were caught by locals on Saturday night in Andro, Imphal East when they allegedly threatened people and looted mobile phones by brandishing toy guns.
The public handed them over to the police station along with an Alto car bearing registration number AS0AV 5654, which was seized from their possession.
“During preliminary interrogation, the duo admitted to threatening people for extortion by using toy guns,” a police official said.
Extortion, intimidation, and threats using bombs and firearms have been on the rise since the outbreak of violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
With the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, security forces have intensified operations to curb such activities.
Security forces also arrested an active cadre of KCP (PWG) on Saturday. He was identified as Yumnam Milanjit Meitei, 33, of Lairenkabi Awang Leikai Mamang Leirak, Imphal West district from Ghari Makha Leikai under Lamphel police station, Imphal West district.
He was involved in extortion from colleges and general public located in valley area, said Manipur Police Control Room on Sunday.
Officials reiterated their appeal to the public to report any extortion attempts immediately, assuring that firm action will be taken against those involved, regardless of their affiliation.
