Manipur Police constable arrested for using bulletproof car without permission

Imphal: Manipur Police on Wednesday arrested another constable of the state Home Department in connection with the seizure of an unregistered bulletproof vehicle at a sensitive location in Imphal East district.

In addition, two constables of the Manipur Police were arrested for allegedly using an unauthorized armored vehicle, according to a Manipur Police morning bulletin issued on Thursday.
Bulletproof vehicles require necessary certifications, such as approval from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), for registration and legal use in India. Police said that possessing or using such vehicles without permission is illegal, and the accused were unable to produce valid documents. Laishram Sanaton Meitei (41), a resident of Khurai Kongpal Ningthoubung Leikai in Imphal East district and a constable in the Manipur Police, was arrested following the arrest of Thonaojam Nilkamal Singh (30), a resident of Malom Tuliaima Awang Leikai in Imphal West district, also a constable in the Manipur Police.
Police apprehended Thonaojam Nilkamal Singh after intercepting a bulletproof black Scorpio S11 without a registration number at the Wangkhei Andro Parking Area under the Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district on December 30.
Officials said that although owning bulletproof vehicles is permitted under strict regulatory and certification rules, their possession or use without proper registration and authorization – especially by police personnel – is a serious offense. These arrests have raised concerns about the unauthorized use of security-grade equipment even within police ranks, amid heightened security operations in the state.