The accused, arrested last month for alleged extortion activities, managed to flee under unclear circumstances, with authorities yet to reveal details.
BY PC Bureau
April 7, 2026 — In a major security lapse, an alleged cadre of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA), escaped from police custody at Heingang Police Station in Imphal East district.
The accused, identified as Nepram Lemba Meitei alias Tomba (24), is a resident of Nongada Shantipur Makha Leikai. He had been arrested on March 31 from the Khabeisoi area under Heingang Police Station and was reportedly involved in extortion activities. A mobile phone was seized from him at the time of arrest.
Following the escape, Manipur Police on Tuesday suspended two personnel posted at Heingang Police Station for alleged negligence. The suspended officials have been identified as Sub-Inspector Md. Akbar Shah and Constable W. Juresh Singh.
In connection with the escape of a PLA cadre, one Nepram Lemba Meitei alias Tomba from Police custody, two personnel of Heingang Police Station have been suspended:https://t.co/yVrxX3FstT Md. Akbar Shah and
ii.C/No 0915654 W. Juresh Singh.— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) April 6, 2026
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Authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding how the accused managed to escape or the progress of the ongoing manhunt. It also remains unclear whether a formal internal inquiry has been initiated beyond the immediate disciplinary action.
The incident comes amid continued counter-insurgency operations across Manipur targeting members of banned militant outfits. The escape has raised fresh concerns over custodial security and standard operating procedures at police stations in the valley districts.
Security officials indicated that a coordinated search operation has been launched following the escape, with alerts issued across multiple districts and checkpoints strengthened to prevent the accused from fleeing the state. Intelligence units are also working to track possible contacts and support networks that may assist him while on the run. The incident is expected to prompt a review of custodial security protocols, including surveillance systems, guard deployment, and standard operating procedures at police stations across Manipur.
Further updates are awaited as efforts to trace and re-arrest the escaped militant continue.
