Charity scam: Two jailed, 22 released on bail
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 21 2022:
CJM Court Imphal East on Thursday sent two individuals into judicial custody for 15 days and released 22 others on bail in a case of charity scam that was carried out in the name of differently abled people.
The two individuals, the mastermind behind the scam, who have been sent into judicial custody are Chingangbam Asha (48) wife of Devendro of Takyel Khongbal and Chingangbam Devendro (54) son of late Goura of Taothong Ayungba, Lamsang.
The other 22 were released on execution of PR bond of Rs 30,000 each.
As per report submitted by the investigating officer, Porompat PS received a complaint from Md Yunus Khan, president of State Platform of Disabled People's Organisation Manipur, an apex body of organisations for differently abled people, on April 20 around 3.30 pm.
In the complaint, the apex body stated that over 30 people are carrying out a donation drive in the name of an organisation called New Home Life Foundation for Disabled near MB College, Palace Compound.
The apex body has no knowledge of the donation drive and requested for investigating into the activities of the group while expressing suspicion of possible fraud.
Based on the report, a team of Porompat PS went there and picked up 22 people along with four donation boxes.
Upon opening the donation boxes, police found Rs 10,200 in cash.
Police seized the cash and an Eeco Van (MN01AS 3875) as they could not produce any documents related with their cause.
Upon questioning, they disclosed that they were hired by one Chingangbam Asha presently staying at Takyel Khongbal with the assurance of providing Rs 300 per day.
In the follow up investigation, police arrested Asha, who claims herself as treasurer of an NGO called New Hope Life Foundation for Disabilities but could not produce any documents related with the NGO.
On the next day, Chingangbam Devendro surrendered at Porompat PS and he disclosed that he is the president of the bogus NGO for which Asha recruits individuals to carry out the illegal donation drive.
Police also tried to arrest the NGO's secretary Tongbram Premkumar (44) of Keibul Chingmai but he is absconding, the IO's report stated, while praying for judicial remand of the arrested individuals.
The court, after hearing the report, sent Chingangbam Asha and Chingangbam Devendro into judicial custody for 15 days while releasing the other 22 on bail.