Armed men loot over ₹2 crore from a prominent jewelry store in Imphal East, amid a fresh wave of extortion-linked bomb threats that are shaking the region.
BY PC Bureau
Fear continues to grip Imphal East as extortion-linked crimes surge, even amid intensified operations by security forces. According to local media reports, on Friday evening , two armed menb looted over ₹2 crore in gold and cash from Dhanapati Jewelry, a well-known store located at Palace Compound under Porompat police station. The masked assailants, arriving on a two-wheeler, struck just as the store was preparing to close, overpowering owner Laipubam Dhanapati and her staff before escaping with the valuables.
The high-profile robbery occurred against the backdrop of a renewed wave of bomb threats linked to extortion demands. That same day, an improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered outside the residence of the chairperson of the Kshetrigao Gram Panchayat in Khetri Bengoon, also under Porompat police jurisdiction. Authorities and residents suspect the device was meant to intimidate the chairperson for refusing to comply with an “extortion” demand.
In another alarming incident, a bomb was found at Lanleima Store in Moirangthem Sougaijam Leikai, under Imphal police station. The store, which deals in daily essentials and has no known political affiliations, became the center of public outcry. Staff and local women organized a sit-in protest, denouncing the growing extortion menace and demanding action.
These incidents unfolded as security forces continue daily operations across the region, leading to multiple arrests of individuals allegedly tied to underground groups. Despite the arrests, extortion activities persist, prompting the state government to take additional measures.
In a significant step, the government has established an Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell, backed by a 24/7 toll-free helpline (1800-202-3326). The unit brings together personnel from the state police, central paramilitary forces, Assam Rifles, and the Army, with a mandate to respond swiftly to any reported extortion threat. Officials are urging citizens to use the helpline to report intimidation or illegal demands, promising coordinated action through local police stations.
As fear and uncertainty deepen in the valley, public pressure is mounting on authorities to restore the rule of law and bring perpetrators to justice.
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Meanwhile, on April 19, 2025, security forces arrested two active members of the banned outfit UNLF (Pambei faction): Yumnam Naocha Singh alias Mengba (24) and Heikrujam Bidyachandra Singh alias Bruce (28). The arrests took place near Nongdam village on Napetpalli Andro Road, under Lamlai police station in Imphal East. The duo was allegedly involved in extorting money from vehicles using the route to fund their organization. Items recovered from them included two mobile phones, two sling bags, a wallet containing ₹3,630, and an ID card.
In a separate operation a day earlier, on April 18, authorities apprehended Takhellambam Yaiphaba Meitei (26), an active cadre of the banned group PREPAK, near the tri-junction of Sanjenbam Shangshabi Village under Lamlai police station. One mobile phone and an Aadhaar card were recovered from his possession.
