Imphal, May 15: Manipur Police have arrested an active cadre of the proscribed KCP (Taibanganba) outfit in connection with an alleged extortion-linked firing incident, with investigators claiming the attack was part of a coordinated effort to intimidate residents through armed threats.
The accused, identified as Khongbantabam Chinglemba Meitei alias Nanao (35), was apprehended on May 13 from Yairipok Lamkhai in Thoubal district. Police said he is a resident of Lamsang Lamdeng Khunou and Thoubal Awang Leikai. A mobile phone was seized from his possession during the operation.
The arrest is linked to a firing incident reported on May 7 at the gate of a residence in Tangkham Awang Leikai under Heingang Police Station in Imphal East district. During a spot inspection, investigators recovered five live 9 mm rounds, four empty cartridge cases and a fired projectile fragment from the location.
According to police, the investigation gained momentum following the apprehension of a juvenile on May 11. Another accused, identified as Usham Roshan Singh alias Naobi (28) of Haraorou Awang Leikai in Imphal East district, was arrested the following day.
Investigators alleged that the accused, along with their associates, carried out the firing incident to “create fear and threat” as part of an extortion attempt. Police believe the attack was intended to terrorise local residents and pressure targets into paying money.
Security agencies have intensified operations against underground outfits and extortion networks across Manipur’s valley districts in recent months, leading to multiple arrests and recoveries of arms and ammunition.
Police said further investigation is continuing to identify and trace other individuals allegedly involved in the case.
