Four suspects in attack on tanker convoy held Police bust gang of extortionists
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 21 2017: Police today apprehended a gang of extortionists who were operating in Kangpokpi area along Imphal-Dimapur highway.

Briefing media persons this afternoon, DGP LM Khaute said that four members of the gang were apprehended in a search operation carried out by a combined team of Imphal East commandos, Imphal West commandos and Kangpokpi police.

The search operation was carried out under the supervision of Imphal East Commando OC Inspector B Lunthang, Imphal East Additional SP (Ops) K Meghachandra and Kangpokpi SP H Balaram.

The apprehended gang members are KRA self styled finance-in-charge and Sgt Maj Demminthang Haokip alias Stephen (38) s/o Ningthoujam Gobardhan of Kangpokpi Ward No 12, S/S L/Cpl Sagonlal Baite alias Lalboi (30) s/o Lhunjang of L Lhangnom village, Saikul sub-division, Pvt Hengoulen Haokip alias Haosapa alias Yago (18) s/o Tangmang Haokip of Satang Kuki village, Saikul sub-division and Pvt Thanglanmoi Chongloi alias Calvin (30) s/o Kaikam Chongloi of Taphou Kuki village.

In addition to a strong force of commandos stationed in Kangpokpi area since the attack on a convoy of oil tankers at S Golai between Kangpokpi and Changoubung on April 18, additional forces were mobilised to carry out today's operation, said the DGP.

The four gang members were apprehended from a rented house of Kangpokpi Ward No 9 at around 4 am today.

Five mobile handsets and seven SIM cards have been recovered from their possession.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang was set up in the name of KRA and they were extorting money from people travelling along Imphal-Dimapur highway.

Apart from attacking a convoy of oil tankers at S Golai on April 18 in cahoots with KNF(N) cadres, they were involved in triggering IED blast at the residence of a betel leave trader in association with KCP (Lanheiba), detention of vehicles, abduction of drivers, extortion money transporters at Hengbung check post, firing at Satyam Industry and firing at passenger vehicles for not entertaining their demands, LM Khaute conveyed.

The gang carried out all such unlawful activities in association with KNF (N) and KCP (Lanheiba) which are not party to the SoO pact.

The four gang members would be subjected to further interrogation and concrete actions would be taken up, added the DGP.

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