Robbery gang apprehended at Sonai yesterday, Manipur connection revealed

In a significant breakthrough yesterday, Cachar Police apprehended three individuals allegedly involved in a spate of robberies across Cachar and other parts of Barak Valley. The suspects, identified as Dimngel Lalboi Michael, Paojalen Dimngel and Thangboi Dimngel, all hailing from Saijong village located in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, were taken into custody following a credible tip-off on the evening of September 22, 2023.

During the operation, police recovered a cache of weapons from the suspects, including a 9mm pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition and a .22 pistol with 50 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, a Hyundai Creta vehicle with registration number MZ-01R-0012, believed to have been used in the perpetration of several robberies, was seized by the law enforcement agency.

Further investigation by Police has revealed a startling connection between the arrested individuals and the ethnic conflict in Manipur. The suspects disclosed that they had been residing in the Kolasib Relief Camp in Mizoram, a shelter established in response to the ongoing ethnic flare up in Manipur. From there, they would venture into various areas of Barak Valley to commit robberies before returning to the camp again. The trio also confessed to their involvement in a recent robbery at a hardware shop at Sonabarighat, Silchar.

While briefing reporters, Cachar Additional SP (Headquarter) Subrata Sen stated, “Over the past two and half months, this gang was committing dacoity in various parts of Cachar. Three notable robberies perpetrated by them took place at Sonai Petrol Pump, Jirighat and Sonabarighat. Yesterday, Police personnel of Sonai Police Station intercepted a white Creta car in the area, which led to the apprehension of three of the key suspects.”

Authorities are currently conducting a thorough interrogation of the suspects. The arrest of these individuals marks a significant milestone in the efforts to curb the rising criminal activities in the region.