Manipur: Individual Arrested with 117 Pre-Activated Mobile SIM Cards and Associated Documents
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Synopsis
On March 29, Manipur Police arrested a man with 117 pre-activated mobile SIM cards, suspected to be linked to illegal activities. The suspect, Wahengbam Ajit Meetei, was using others' identities for the sales, prompting an ongoing investigation into potential connections with underground militants.
Key Takeaways
- Wahengbam Ajit Meetei arrested for selling pre-activated SIM cards
- 117 SIM cards confiscated from two service providers
- Investigation tied to extortion and criminal activities
- Raids ongoing in multiple districts
- Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell established to combat illegal activities
Imphal, March 29 (NationPress) – On Saturday, Manipur Police apprehended a suspect in possession of 117 pre-activated mobile SIM cards along with various documents, according to official reports.
An official disclosed that the arrested individual, Wahengbam Ajit Meetei, also known as Apa, aged 32, was taken into custody in the Imphal West District for illicitly distributing pre-activated SIM cards using the identities of others without their permission.
“These SIM cards are believed to be intended for use by anti-social elements engaged in numerous illegal activities, including extortion,” the official informed the media on Saturday evening.
Authorities confiscated 117 pre-activated SIM cards from two different mobile service providers, a mobile device, and an Aadhaar card.
Investigators are currently questioning the detainee to gather information regarding his operations and to ascertain if anyone else is involved.
The Manipur Police initiated an inquiry on February 12, conducting extensive raids across the Imphal East, Imphal West, and other districts concerning the sale of activated SIM cards utilizing fraudulent documentation, which are suspected to be used by underground militants and other criminal elements.
The official indicated that the sale of activated SIM cards was uncovered during the investigation into several cases linked to abduction, intimidation, and the coercive collection of ransom from traders, business owners, government employees, contractors, and select civilians.
An FIR was filed at the Porompat police station in Imphal East district on February 12 regarding the distribution of activated SIM cards using fictitious identity papers.
“These SIM cards are suspected to be exploited by underground militants, anti-socials, and criminals for extortion and intimidation against various individuals. During the investigation of a recent criminal case, it was revealed that the subscriber, under whose name the SIM card was registered, was completely unaware of it,” the official stated.
Ongoing raids are being conducted in Imphal East, Imphal West, and other regions as part of the investigation, and these operations will persist.
The police have urged all mobile service providers to implement thorough periodic verification, warning that strict legal measures will be enforced for any non-compliance. In an effort to combat unlawful extortion against civilians, government personnel, contractors, and others, the Manipur government had previously declared the formation of a dedicated Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell within the Home Department.
This cell, which operates on a 24/7 basis, includes representatives from the State Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Assam Rifles, and the Army.
