The arrested suspects were identified as Rajkumar Sidharth alias Momo (33), Laishram Rameshor Meitei (44), Athokpam Brojendro Singh (45), and Laishram Sachikanta Singh (25). They were apprehended at their respective residences in various parts of Imphal. The seizure included a range of sophisticated firearms, ammunition, explosives, and military equipment, marking a significant disruption to illegal arms trafficking in the region.
The police operation resulted in the recovery of several high-powered firearms, including one AK rifle, two AK Ghatak rifles, one INSAS riflle, two 7.62mm SLR rifles, two 9mm carbines, three .303 rifles, a defective 9mm pistol with one magazine, one modified .303 rifle mounted with a scope, additional firearms including 7.56mm INSAS rifles and a second AK rifle, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition were recovered, including, 263 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 265 rounds of INSAS ammunition, 153 rounds of .303 ammunition, 349 rounds of AK ammunition, 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Furthermore, law enforcement also discovered an assortment of explosives, including a No. 36 HE hand grenade, a Chinese-made hand grenade, a WP grenade, and a detonator.
Alongside the weapons, the police seized several magazines for various rifles, including 6 AK rifle magazines, 13 INSAS rifle magazines, 18 7.62mm SLR magazines, 3 9mm carbine magazines, 7 .303 rifle magazines, and additional magazines for LMGs and INSAS rifles
In addition to the armaments, police also discovered several anti-riot items such as stun shells, tear gas shells, and stun grenades. Among the other itesms seized were: Two tube launchers, eight Baofeng hand-held radios with extra batteries and chargers, multiple suspected bulletproof plates and helmets, twelve bulletproof vests, everal mobile phones, along with SIM cards and Aadhaar cards, linking the suspects to their activities
The operation highlights the growing concerns over the illegal supply of arms and ammunition in the region, fueling unrest and violence. Authorities have praised the police operation, which has helped neutralize a potentially grave threat to public safety in the region.
The investigation into the origins and the larger network of the Keishal Village Volunteer Organisation is ongoing, with authorities seeking to uncover the full extent of the organization’s involvement in illicit activities. This arrest is seen as a major step in curbing the flow of illegal arms and preventing further destabilization in the region.
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