Hawker assaulted, robbed by suspected commandos
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 27, 2012:
One newspaper hawker,has been assaulted and robbed of his money and a Honda Activa scooter by some armed persons suspected to be police commandos.
Ningthoujam Bira (34) of Heirok Part II Bazar but staying at Keishamthong Irom Pukhri Mapal was returning home after collecting money for the newspapers he sold in Thoubal area when he was halted by some suspected commandos between Meitei Lamkhai and Kyamgei Pal Ahanbi at about 8.30 pm yesterday.
By profession, Bira is a hawker of evening newspapers and journals, operating mainly in Thoubal area.
Bira was returning home with another newspaper hawker Gopen on two separate two-wheelers.
As Gopen's fuel ran out on the way, he was left behind, said Bira.
Even after showing his identity card issued by the manager of Paojel daily and identified himself as a member of the All Manipur Newspaper Sales and Distributors Association, the suspected commandos who numbered 5/6 threatened and insisted Bira to name his party.
They had one Gypsy and a car parked on the highway.
After confiscating Rs 17,000 in cash, one mobile phone and his Honda Activa, the suspected commandos took Bira towards Lilong.
At first, when Bira refused to get on the Gypsy, he was whacked by rifle-butt on the left cheek and shoulder, Bira narrated.
At Lilong bridge, Bira was blindfolded and his hands were tied.
Then he was taken to an unknown place, where he was subjected to repeated questioning and harassment.
At certain point of time, B ira got a chance to shout for help and he did shout.
On hearing his shouting, neighbouring people rushed to his rescue following which the suspected commandos left the place in hurry.
It was about 3.30 am when local people rescued him and he came to know that the place was Arapti.
He reached home by hiring an auto-rickshaw for which the fare was given by the people of Arapti.
Later this morning, the suspected commandos called the family of Bira through the mobile phone confiscated from him asking to bring the genuine RC book if they want back Bira's Honda Activa.
After this, the phone was switched off, said the victim.