Manipur: Crackdown on extortion gang linked to underground network, 8 arrested

Imphal: Security forces conducted multiple operations and busted a fundraising arm of underground groups and arrested eight people, including a 63-year-old man, involved in the extortion network in two districts of the Valley on Sunday, officials said on Monday.
The arrested persons are accused of recruiting cadres for underground groups and extorting money from oil pumps, showrooms, hotels, educational institutions, government officials and pharmacies.
Reports said that in multiple operations, security forces arrested six extortionists affiliated with the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak ​​– Progressive (PREPAK-PRO) from different locations under the Nongpok Sekmai police station in Imphal East district.
The arrested cadres include self-styled Captain Moirangthem Boboy Singh, also known as Lalangam (54) of Yairipok Kakmai Mayai Leikai; Lieutenant Thoudam Tomba Singh, also known as Thengnaiba (63), is a resident of Soibam Leikai, Khalabung Leirak; Konsam Romenkumar Singh/Samitpa (44), a resident of Iroisemba Mayai Leikai; Laishram Nanao Singh/Lukhoi (35), a resident of Itam Nungoi; Takhellambam Kishan Singh/Nanao (30), and Takhellambam Washington Singh/Ibungo (22), both residents of Chanam Santrok Maning Leikai.
From their possession, security forces recovered i) a DBBL gun, ii) two mobile phones, and iii) two SIM cards.
In another operation, security forces apprehended two extortionists belonging to the Ban PREPAK-PRO group of five.
They were apprehended in Yairipok Pechi under the Yairipok police station in Thoubal district.
The arrested persons include Lanthum Poiriton Meitei/Lanthouba (25) of Chanam Santrok Awang Leikai and Chirom Rostam Singh/Chiromba (25) of Kongba Laikhuram Leirak in Imphal East district.