Imphal West cops bust another gang of vehicle lifters
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 02 2009: Busting yet another gang of vehicle lifters, Imphal West District Police have arrested two persons and recovered two two-wheelers, fake RC books and tools used for manipulating the engine and chassis numbers of stolen vehicles from them.

Addressing a press conference in this connection at the headquarters of Imphal West District Police here today, SDPO S Ibomcha Singh said the activities of the gang came to the fore following the arrest of one of its members by a patrolling party of Imphal West Police Commandos along with one stolen Honda Activa last night.

Imphal West cops with the vehicle lifters

On the intervening night of July 1 and 2, the patrolling party of the Police Commandos noticed a two wheeler with headlight off coming suspiciously along Mayai Lambi from Hiyangthang side and stopping near Machu Cinema hall of Samurou.

When the patrol party rushed in to inspect the Honda Activa scooter bearing registration no.MN-01N/6964, they heard sounds of some people trying to escape.

Further search of the area led to the arrest of one Md Siraj Ahemad (38) s/o Md Ali of Yairipok Changamdabi who had actually stolen the scooter along with one of his accomplices and was hiding in nearby bushes when the patrolling party arrived.

However, his accomplice identified as Md Basir Ahemad (30) of Kwakta but staying at his wife's place at Kairang managed to escape.

During interrogation, Siraj disclosed that they have also stolen three Honda Activa scooters from Lamphel, Keishampat Churachandpur Bus Parking and Kongpal Thongkhong some 2/3 months back and sold them off.

At the instance of Siraj, two gang members who work as middlemen in selling the stolen vehicles and another member Lilong Haoreibi Makha Leikai who is adept in making fake RC books and modifying engine and chassis numbers of the stolen vehicles have been identified.

Among the two middlemen, Md Rausan (40) has been arrested by the police but the other middleman Md Nasir (35) and Md Ithem (25) who is skilful in making fake RC books and modifying engine and chassis numbers are still at large.

Quoting the statement of Siraj, the SDPO further informed that the Honda Activa that led to the busting of the gang had been stolen by Siraj and his absconding accomplice Basir from a house near Wangkhei Keithel Ashangbi on the same night.

Investigation conducted on the basis of the RC book found in the Honda Activa has also confirmed the owner as one Ahongshangbam Rebatikumar of Wangkhei Keithel Ashangbi.

Both Siraj and Basir are drug addicts.

Siraj grew up in Hatta Golapati area of Imphal and was working as rickshaw driver for some time in the past.

He had also been arrested by the Imphal East District police in connection with drug case earlier, the SDPO said.

On the other hand, Rausan was a councillor of Samurou Nagar Panchayat but at present operates a grocery shop near the gate of his house, the SDPO said, adding that from the house of Nasir who is absconding and is said to be a teacher in a Govt School, one NV scooter (MN-1V/3120) has been picked up.

When a police team went to search the house of Md Ithem, all the family members have fled with exception to one relative identified as Zajir Khan (30) of Paobitek who has been picked up by the police for interrogation, the SDPO further informed, adding that along with registering an FIR with Wangoi Police Station, efforts are being made to arrest all the absconders and find out more information about the activities of the gang.