1 lynched to death, 2 held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 29 2015: A suspected member of a gang of vehicle lifters was lynched to death while two fellow gangsters were rounded up, thrashed and handed over to police by a mob at Bashikhong, Imphal East district under Irilbung police station in the wee hours today.

According to information culled from the spot, after lifting a Honda Activa scooter from the residence of one Yensembam Herojit (30) s/o late Kunjo of Bashikhong Kitnapanung, the gangsters were attempting to lift a Mahindra Scorpio jeep when the incident came to light.

On hearing some noises, Herojit turned on the jeep's remote control key-lock system.

As soon as the key was turned on, an alarm sounded.

Immediately, Herojit rushed out and he discovered that not only the Honda Activa was missing but the glass pane of the Scorpio's right door (driver's side) had been broken.

Apparently, the gang was attempting to lift the Scorpio after lifting the Honda Activa.

The next moment, sound of a motorcycle speeding towards the South was heard on the road.

Soon, people of the neighbourhood were alerted and massive manhunt was launched for the vehicle lifters.

At around 2.30 am, a youngster was seen lying on the road after a motorcycle (Yamaha R-15) he was riding apparently skidded near Bashikhong Kitnapanung culvert.

The motorcycle was also found nearby.

Assuming that he was a member of the gang vehicle lifters, the search party thrashed him black and blue and he died on the spot.

The deceased has been identified Konsam Romesh (19) s/o Hirando of Arapti Mayai Leikai.

Another search party saw a youngster pulling the Honda Activa lifted from the residence of Herojit at Kyamgei Mamang Leikai at around 3.40 am.

He was immediately rounded up and brought to MEIRAA (club), Bashikhong.

The youngster rounded up together with the Honda Activa was one Soibam Rimus (18) s/o Shanta of Arapti Awang Leikai.

On questioning Rimus, it was revealed that one Thounaojam Lemba (22) s/o late Somorjit of Kakwa Nameirakpam Leikai but presently staying at Kyamgei Heibong Makhong is a member of the gang.

It was further revealed that the gang used to keep stolen vehicles at the workshop of one Md Ibobi alias Bobo located at the road junction leading to Lilong Dam.

At around 8.30 am, a man wearing helmet and mask around his mouth and who claimed himself to be a press man came inside MEIRAA building where Rimus was detained.

However, he claimed that he was a policeman inside the building.

In the meantime, Rimus was taken outside the building and handed over to Irilbung police.

As the individual who wore helmet and mask looked suspicious, he was held back and subjected to intense questioning.

As he was subjected to thrashing, he disclosed that he was connected to the gang of vehicle lifters.

He was identified as one Irengbam Sarju (23) s/o Iboyaima of Khongman Irom Leirak.

He too has been handed over to police.

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