Imphal, Dec 31: A serving Manipur Police havildar was arrested on December 30 after he was found travelling in an unregistered bulletproof vehicle in Imphal East district, officials said.
The accused, Thounaojam Nilkamal Singh (30), was detained at Andro Parking in the Wangkhei area under Porompat police station. Police intercepted a black Scorpio S11 that bore no registration number despite being fitted with armoured, bulletproof modifications.
Singh, a resident of Malom Tuliyaima Awang Leikai in Imphal West district, is a serving havildar with Manipur Police. Authorities said an investigation has been launched to ascertain how he acquired the armoured vehicle and the purpose for which it was being used.
The arrest came amid intensified security operations across the state. On the same day, security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during a separate operation at the foothills of Yerum Ching in Thoubal district.
The recovery from the Nongpok Sekmai police station area included three bolt-action rifles, five 9mm pistols with magazines, and one high-explosive hand grenade. Officials also seized ammunition of various calibres, INSAS and SLR magazines, detonators, bulletproof vests, helmets, tear smoke shells, an anti-riot rubber bullet and other riot control equipment.
Police said detailed investigations are underway into both incidents, with particular focus on the unauthorised possession of an armoured vehicle by a serving police personnel.
