Manipur Police Uncover Sale of Activated SIM Cards, Conduct Raids
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Synopsis
On February 13, the Manipur Police conducted extensive operations in Imphal districts to address the illegal sale of activated SIM cards linked to fake identities. The initiative aims to combat the misuse of these cards by militants and criminal elements.
Key Takeaways
- Raids conducted in Imphal East and West districts.
- Activated SIM cards sold using fake documents.
- Linked to abduction and ransom cases.
- Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell established by the government.
- Four KCP-PWG members arrested for extortion activities.
Imphal, Feb 13 (NationPress) The Manipur Police initiated comprehensive raids across various locations in Imphal East and Imphal West districts regarding the illicit sale of activated SIM cards using forged documents, believed to be utilized by underground militants and other anti-social elements, officials reported on Thursday.
A police spokesperson revealed that the issue of activated SIM card sales emerged during an investigation into cases related to abduction, intimidation, and the coercive collection of ransom from traders, businessmen, government employees, contractors, and select members of the public.
The spokesperson mentioned an FIR was filed at the Porompat police station in the Imphal East district on Wednesday concerning the sale of activated SIM cards using false identity papers by impersonating others. “These SIM cards are believed to be exploited by underground militants, anti-social individuals, and criminals for extortion and intimidation of people from various backgrounds. This aspect surfaced during the investigation of a recent criminal case, where the subscriber, under whose name the SIM card was registered, was completely unaware of it,” the spokesperson detailed.
Raids were executed in both Imphal East and Imphal West districts as part of the ongoing investigation, and such operations are set to persist. The police have instructed all mobile service providers to ensure thorough periodic verification at all levels; otherwise, they will face stringent legal repercussions.
To combat the illegal extortion of funds from civilians, government personnel, contractors, and others, the Manipur government previously declared the formation of a dedicated Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell under the Home Department. This cell, which operates around the clock, comprises representatives from the State Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Assam Rifles, and the Army.
In a related development, the Manipur Police apprehended four active members of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) (KCP-PWG) on Wednesday night for their alleged involvement in recent extortion activities, which included making monetary demands and forcibly collecting money from civilians, traders, shops, stone crushers, government employees, and contractors.
The detained KCP-PWG members were identified as Takhelmayum Victor (23), Huidrom Vikash Singh (25), Oinam Naocha (19), and Awungshi John (33). They were arrested from their camp in Kameng Sabal located in Imphal West district.
