Two extortionists who falsely claimed to have been sent by NRFM to collect money from the non- Manipuri shops in Churachandpur district were arrested by Churachandpur police on Monday.
The arrested persons are Paolalmon Singson, 24, son of Late Thangkhilal Singson from Tollen Village, Churachandpur and Letthang Haokip, 45, son of Late Thangneh Haokip from Majuron Kuki Village, Leimatak, presently residing at Mongjang Village in Churachandpur.
According to Churachandpur Police, the accused persons confessed during preliminary examination that they were members of KNA (I), a defunct Non-SoO group but not NRFM members and they used NRFM just name to intimidate the non-Manipuri shopkeepers.
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Police stated that they received information around 2.40 pm on Monday that some unknown persons claiming to be members of NRFM demanded money from five non-Manipuri shop owners located at Lailam Veng and Nute Bazar Churachandpur. They had been demanding money since July 22 and also collected some amounts from two shops in the previous week. The extortionists gave threats by claiming that they were sent to collect money by their NRFM Leaders who killed one Anand Gupta recently.
On receipt of the information, a suo-motu case under FIR No. 119 (07)2022 Churachandpur police station under section 506/384/34 IPC and 17/20 UA(P) Act were registered against the unknown persons for investigation.
During the course of investigation, a thorough analysis of CCTV footage collected from nearby the targeted shops was made and constant surveillance in the suspected areas was taken up, after which the duo were arrested .
The police also recovered a sum of Rs 1,000, and one mobile phone from the possession of the accused persons. Incriminating materials were found in their phones, police stated.
The arrested persons will be produced before the Court by Tuesday to pray for further remand and investigation.
