Blast plan foiled, three held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 17 2020:
Intensified security and preventive measures by Imphal West district commando reportedly prevented a powerful IED from exploding in Telipati area and resulted in the arrest of three individuals who were involved in the transportation of the bomb from Moreh.
Displaying the seized IED and the arrested individuals before media persons at SP Imphal West conference hall today, K Meghachandra explained that today, based on specific information about the movement of some UG cadres along Imphal-Moreh road, a mobile check post was set up at Singjamei parking area by Imphal West commando team and women police personnel.
At around 1.30 pm, while conducting frisking and checking of suspected vehicles coming along the road, a white Maruti van was spotted speeding towards Imphal from Kakwa side and signalled to stop by the police team.
Upon verification, the two occupants of the vehicle identified themselves as one Samukcham Mobi (53) s/o (L) Iboyaima of Khagempalli Panthak Leirak Macha and Huidrom Ningol Lairenlakpam ongbi Ibemcha (38) w/o (L) Indrakumar of Mongjam Mayai Leikai (presently staying at Langol Warok Leikai).
On checking the van, the police team found eight 1.5 Volt batteries connected in series (usually used to detonate IEDs) concealed in a black plastic polythene bag and hence both individuals were detained for further questioning, the SP informed.
During preliminary interrogation, they disclosed that the recovered items were given to them by one Robertson of RPF/PLA when they visited Tamu today morning, along with the instruction to hand the items over to one Bhumeshwor at NRL Telepati.
Immediately, a team of Imphal West commando rushed to NRL Telipati City 1 Oil Station and arrested Lourembam Bhumeshwor (28) s/o (L) Ningthemjao of Khurai Thangjam Leikai.
On his disclosure, the police team also searched the store room of the oil station and found an IED fashioned out of a claymore, a remote control, a transistor, two 9 volt batteries, a detonator, 9 mm ammunition and a mobile phone, the SP said.
Upon interrogation Lourembam Bhumeshwor revealed that the seized bomb was supposed to be planted at Telopati area and that he took photographs of the area, specially the banyan tree where security personnel are often deployed.
He revealed that he sent those photos to Robertson of PLA for confirmation of the spot to plant the bomb, the SP claimed.
Bhumeshwor also disclosed that they were involved in other activities of RPF/ PLA in the past.
On the other hand, Lairenlakpam Ibemcha revealed that she is a street vendor who sells vegetables under the flyover bridge and that she used to visit Moreh frequently to meet Robertson at Tamu.
The arrested individuals and the seized explosive items were handed over to Singjamei PS for necessary legal action, Meghachandra said, adding that during the investigation in connection with recent blast in Imphal City and the surrounding area, people working the bazar area were found involved in antisocial activities.
The SP then appealed the public to co-operate and extend support to the police while conducting verification of such elements among the crowd in the city to prevent any kind of unwanted incident.
He also appealed all to provide information about the presence of any suspected individuals to the nearby police stations.
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